The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) published its Annual Statistical Report for 2025. HKIAC registered 503 new cases — the second highest figure in its history (after the record year 2023 with 522 cases).
Sectoral breakdown
- M&A and corporate transactions — 31% (a year-on-year increase of 23%)
- Technology sector and IP — 22%
- Construction — 18%
- Banking and financial services — 14%
- Energy and commodities — 9%
The value of disputes exceeded HKD 64 billion (≈ USD 8.2 billion). The median proceeding lasted 14 months.
Geographic composition of parties
38% of parties from Hong Kong, 22% from mainland China, 14% from Singapore, 8% from the USA and the United Kingdom. The share of European parties remains stable at around 10%.
HKIAC Secretary-General Joanne Lau highlighted the rise of investment claims from the technology sector — particularly disputes concerning semiconductors, AI patents and data centres.
Source: HKIAC — 2025 Annual Statistical Report