10th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) has published the findings from its Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for December 2024.
The current diffusion index (DI) for business receipts among SMEs rose from 41.9 in November 2024, indicating contraction, to 43.9 in December 2024. Additionally, the one-month outlook DI for business receipts in January 2025 is projected at 47.0. Sector-specific analyses revealed that most surveyed sectors experienced increases in their business receipts DIs for December, particularly notable in import and export trades (from 43.1 to 45.7), retail trade (from 37.7 to 40.2), and business services (from 45.9 to 48.4).
The DI for new orders within the import and export sectors also improved, climbing from 45.1 in November 2024 to 46.5 in December 2024, with a one-month outlook DI of 48.0 for January 2025.
A government spokesperson noted an overall enhancement in business sentiment among SMEs in December, with most sectors reporting improved diffusion indices. Expectations for the business climate in the forthcoming month have also improved, alongside a slight uptick in the overall employment situation.
The spokesperson attributed this positive shift to various measures implemented by the Central Government aimed at stimulating the Mainland economy and benefitting Hong Kong, coupled with initiatives from the SAR Government to uplift market sentiment. However, he cautioned that rising global economic uncertainties, particularly escalating trade conflicts, could exert pressure on the business environment. The Government will continue to monitor these developments closely.
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