************************************************************
Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for September 2010 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (November 11) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.
In September 2010, the volume of Hong Kong's re-exports of goods increased by 18.9% over September 2009, while that of domestic exports increased by 16.7%. Taken together, the volume of total exports of goods increased by 18.8%. Concurrently, the volume of imports of goods increased by 13.5%.
Comparing the first nine months of 2010 with the same period in 2009, the volume of Hong Kong's re-exports of goods grew significantly, by 22.1%, while that of domestic exports increased by 17.2%. Taken together, the volume of total exports of goods increased by 22.0%. Concurrently, the volume of imports of goods increased by 23.2%.
Comparing the third quarter of 2010 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods increased marginally, by 0.1%. Within this total, the volume of re-exports increased slightly, by 0.3%, whereas that of domestic exports decreased by 8.7%. On the other hand, the volume of imports of goods decreased by 1.1%.
Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.
Comparing September 2010 with September 2009, the prices of re-exports of goods increased by 5.3%, while that of domestic exports increased by 5.0%. Taken together, the prices of total exports of goods increased by 5.3%. Concurrently, the prices of imports of goods increased by 7.4%.
As regards price changes in the first nine months of 2010 over the same period in 2009, the prices of re-exports of goods increased by 4.1%, while those of domestic exports increased by 5.0%. Taken together, the prices of total exports of goods increased by 4.1%. Concurrently, the prices of imports of goods increased by 5.9%.
Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.
The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods. Compared with the same period in 2009, the index decreased by 1.9% in September 2010 and 1.7% in the first nine months of 2010.
Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.
Comparing September 2010 with September 2009, the total export volume to Japan grew significantly, by 22.9%. Concurrently, the total export volume to Taiwan, the mainland of China (the Mainland) and the USA increased by 19.0%, 18.4% and 17.0% respectively. On the other hand, the total export volume to Germany decreased by 1.9%.
Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to all main destinations increased: Taiwan (+6.7%), the Mainland (+5.9%), the USA (+4.1%), Japan (+3.6%) and Germany (+2.6%).
Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.
In September 2010, the import volume from the USA grew significantly, by 27.1% over September 2009. Concurrently, the import volume from Singapore, the Mainland, Japan and Taiwan increased by 17.3%, 14.1%, 8.3% and 2.3% respectively.
Comparing September 2010 with September 2009, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Japan (+8.9%), Singapore (+7.6%), the Mainland (+7.2%), Taiwan (+5.5%) and the USA (+4.6%).
Further information
Details of the above statistics are published in the September 2010 issue of "Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers". Users can download the publication free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/products_and_services/products/publications/statistical_report/external_trade/index.jsp).
Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel.: 2582 4918).
Ends/Thursday, November 11, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:32
NNNN
