This publication is published monthly in two separate volumes, namely 'Imports', and 'Domestic Exports and Re-exports'. It contains a detailed breakdown of monthly and year-to-date figures by commodity item and of each commodity item by country/territory.

This publication is one of the external trade reports compiled by the Census and Statistical Department. Other external trade reports include Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade (monthly), Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers (monthly) and Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Statistics - Annual Supplement (annual). The reports are each featured in its own way.