Growth slows in Hong Kong

HONG Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited released its tonnage figures for February 2008. A total of 171,299 tonnes were handled in February, representing a 1.8 per cent year-on-year growth. Cumulative tonnage for the first two months of the year was 377,914 tonnes, up 4.8 per cent year-on-year.

Import volume for February was 48,214 tonnes, up 1.5 per cent against February last year. Aggregate import volume for the first two months of 2008 was 104,274 tonnes, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.3 per cent.

Export volume for February was 86,355 tonnes, down 3.2 per cent year-on-year probably as a result of the US-led global slowdown. Total export volume for January and February was 198,638 tonnes, representing a year-on-year growth of 1.1 per cent.

The transhipment volume was 36,730 tonnes in February, indicating a year-on-year growth of 16.4 per cent. Cumulative transhipment tonnage for the first two months was 75,002 tonnes, up 20.7 per cent against the same period last year.

Lilian Chan, general manager, marketing and customer service, said: “Traditionally, the months of January and February have to be considered together for a meaningful analysis because of the Chinese New Year effect. Export tonnage for February has shown a slight decline due to the weak market sentiment in the United States. However, we remain optimistic to attain a steady and healthy cargo growth for the rest of the year.”