The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) on Monday substantially raised its annual forecast for export growth to between 42 percent and 47 percent, up from its June forecast of 20 percent. This revision is attributed to stronger-than-expected global demand for artificial intelligence-related technologies. Exports of electronics, which account for approximately 80 percent of the city's total, rose by 52.8 percent in the first eight months of this year. The council also cited improved China-US relations as a factor reducing tariff escalation risks.