Algernon Yau, Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, revealed in his written reply to an inquiry that in the six and a half months following the reduction of tax rates on premium liquor up to the end of April 2025, both the quantity (measured in liters) and the value of imported and duty-paid spirits increased compared to the six and a half months before the tax cut.

Specifically, the quantity of imported spirits rose by more than 15%, while the value rocketed by nearly 60%, reflecting that the government's introduction of a two-tier tax system has effectively encouraged the trade of high-value spirits, Yau added.

Meanwhile, the business sector seized the opportunity brought by the lower spirits tax to organize various types of wine and spirits exhibitions and sales events, which saw a noticeable rise in the proportion of spirits sold. Some liquor merchants also drop the retail prices of their spirits, triggering a positive market response.