The S&P Global HKSAR PMI, seasonally adjusted, dropped from 49 in May to 47.8 in June, marking a fifth consecutive month of worsening business conditions and the steepest plunge since April 2022.

Across the private sector, new orders reduced for the fifth straight month in June. Surveyed firms cited tight client budgets and uncertainty over U.S. trade policies as key factors dampening demand. Both mainland China and overseas markets saw notable order volume reductions compared to May, leading firms to pare back production, with output declines being the most pronounced in a year.

Cautious hiring reflected concerns about business prospects, with pessimism reaching its most evident level since September 2020. Firms expressed worries over weak local demand, aggravating global economic conditions, and U.S. trade policy uncertainties.

Usamah Bhatti, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that simultaneous weakening in local and overseas demand has prompted massive business contraction. Forward-looking indicators, including new orders and business expectations, suggested a potentially tougher 2H25.

Overall business confidence fell to a near five-year low, raising concerns. Feeble global economic and trade conditions, coupled with U.S. trade policy uncertainties, may impact near-term business performance. Recovery hinges on a clear improvement in confidence and demand.