HK exports value rises 7.1% to HK$305.4bn in April

    Hong Kong's value of total exports of goods (comprising re-exports and domestic exports) rose 7.1% over a year earlier to HK$305.4 billion in April, after a year-on-year increase of 16.9% in March, according to the Census and Statistics Department.
  Within this total, the value of re-exports grew 7.2% to HK$302.1 billion in April, whereas the value of domestic exports dropped 2.1% to HK$3.3 billion. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods rose 7.3% over a year earlier to HK$339.5 billion in April, after a year-on-year increase of 13% in March. A visible trade deficit of HK$34.1 billion, equivalent to 10.1% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in April.
  For the first four months of 2017 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods rose by 9.4% over the same period in 2016. Within this total, the value of re-exports increased by 9.5%, while the value of domestic exports increased by 3.1%. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 9.8%. A visible trade deficit of HK$144.9 billion, equivalent to 11.1% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first four months of 2017.
  A Government spokesman noted that merchandise exports grew visibly in April, propelled mainly by the sturdy growth in exports to many Asian markets amid an improving global economy. The spokesman commented further that looking ahead, the gradual improvement in global economic conditions should continue to support Hong Kong's export performance. However, the external environment is still subject to various uncertainties, especially those stemming from the US interest rate normalisation, Brexit and other policy and political developments in the US and Europe, possible rise of protectionist sentiment and elevated geopolitical tensions in various regions.