Hong Kong jewellery sales rose 10% during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, driven by a 13% surge in mainland Chinese visitors, despite record-high gold prices. The data signals sustained demand from Chinese tourists for gold and jewellery products, offering a positive indicator for global buyers sourcing from Hong Kong's retail and wholesale channels.
Visitor surge and sales performance
Mainland Chinese visitors made 1.02 million trips to Hong Kong between February 15 and February 22, a 13% increase from 909,628 trips during the same period in 2025. The Lunar New Year holiday on the mainland runs from February 15 to February 24, spanning nine days. Jewellery stores recorded approximately 10% sales growth, according to retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai, who described the overall retail upturn as a positive sign for the industry.
Gold price impact on jewellery demand
Despite soaring gold prices, jewellery sales still posted gains, indicating resilient consumer appetite for gold jewellery among mainland tourists. The price surge did not deter buyers, suggesting that Hong Kong's jewellery retailers—many of which serve as key sourcing partners for international importers—continue to benefit from strong tourist traffic. This trend may influence pricing strategies for overseas buyers sourcing gold jewellery from Hong Kong-based suppliers.
Uneven recovery across retail sectors
Industry representatives noted that the recovery remained uneven across sectors. The cosmetics segment saw a 40% to 50% increase in sales over the holiday, outperforming jewellery. This uneven performance highlights that while jewellery demand is robust, other categories may offer different growth dynamics for buyers diversifying their product mix. Overseas importers should monitor sector-specific trends when planning orders from Hong Kong suppliers.
What buyers should watch
For international jewellery buyers, the sustained growth in mainland Chinese visitor numbers and jewellery sales in Hong Kong signals continued consumer interest in gold and precious metal products. However, the sharp rise in gold prices may pressure margins for buyers sourcing at wholesale. Importers should consider hedging strategies or explore alternative materials such as sterling silver, stainless steel, or gold-plated brass to manage cost exposure. Hong Kong remains a critical gateway for China-sourced jewellery, and these trends may influence pricing and availability in the coming months.
Source: Read the original report | Published: February 22, 2026