Hong Kong's exports up 24.9% in February

HONG KONG - Hong Kong's total exports of goods rose 24.9 percent year on year in February to HK$227.8 billion ($29.2 billion), and the re-exports of goods grew 25.2 percent from a year ago to HK$223.2 billion, local authorities announced on Thursday.

The Census & Statistics Department of Hong Kong said the volume of imports increased 25.2 percent in February from one year earlier to HK$253.0 billion, bringing the trade deficit to HK$25.1 billion.

The total export to the Chinese mainland advanced 37.7 percent. Goods sold to Vietnam, India and Thailand jumped 57.6 percent, 43.6 percent and 40.7 percent respectively.

Total shipments to Germany climbed 10.4 percent, while exports to the United States decreased 4.4 percent, following the 14.8 percent drop in the United Kingdom.

The government spokesman said in the statement that Hong Kong's exports should continue to benefit from the vibrant economic conditions in Asia and further recovery in the United States and the Euro zone.

However, considerable uncertainties remain in the external environment, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and North Africa and possible repercussions from the earthquake in Japan.