JAN EXPORTS VALUE UP 33.6%

The value of Hong Kong's total exports increased to $388.7 billion in January, up 33.6% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of goods imports increased 21.7% to $385.1 billion in the same period.

A trade surplus of $3.6 billion, or 0.9% of the value of imports, was recorded for January.

Comparing the three-month period ending January with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of goods exported rose 4.2%, while the value of goods imported also increased 2.3%.

The Government noted that the value of merchandise exports jumped in January against a very low base of comparison a year ago, which was partly caused by the timing of the Lunar New Year. It would thus be more meaningful to examine the figures for January and February combined when available.

Exports to the Mainland soared in January. Those to the US rose notably, while those to the European Union fell. Those to most other major Asian markets recorded increases.

Looking ahead, the Government added that slow global economic growth and geopolitical factors will continue to affect Hong Kong's export performance in the near term.

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