Cross-Border E-Commerce Has Become a New Growth Engine in Hong Kong; 46% of Exporters Have Expanded Across Borders

Hong Kong exporters are accelerating their shift toward cross-border e-commerce. According to a survey conducted in the first quarter of 2026, 46% of exporters are already engaged in cross-border e-commerce, while a further 20% plan to enter the space within the next 12 months.

According to the “Hong Kong Exporter Survey 1Q26” report, e-commerce now plays a central role in Hong Kong’s foreign trade strategy. The report is based on a survey of 507 companies.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Reaches a 28% Share of Revenues

According to the survey, for companies engaged in cross-border e-commerce, this channel has reached an average share of 28% of total sales. More than two-thirds of respondents stated that e-commerce accounts for at least 20% of their total sales, while nearly 30% reported that this ratio exceeds 40%.

For Hong Kong exporters, the Chinese mainland ranked as the most important e-commerce market with a 24% share. The European Union and the United Kingdom followed with 17%, while the United States and Canada stood out with a 15% share. ASEAN countries were also among the rising markets, accounting for 14%.

The Biggest Obstacle: Regulation and Compliance Processes

Despite the growth of cross-border e-commerce, the biggest challenge companies face is regulatory compliance. Among existing players, 28.4% identified this as the most significant barrier, while 27.9% of those planning to enter the market cited the same issue. In addition, payment systems (23.1%) and logistics processes (19.1%) were also listed among the major concerns. In particular, tax, customs, and data protection regulations across different countries are making operations more complex for companies.

Legal and Logistics Support Come to the Fore

According to the survey findings, the area of support most needed by companies is legal advisory services. Regulatory compliance and intellectual property protection are of critical importance for both existing players and new entrants. These are followed by risk management solutions and logistics services. Especially for active e-commerce businesses, strong logistics partners capable of managing delivery, returns, and customs procedures are of great importance.