Hong Kong's total goods exports and imports had year-on-year increases in December, the external merchandise trade statistics from the Census & Statistics Department show.

In December, the value of total goods exports increased 12.9% over a year earlier to $176.9 billion, after a year-on-year increase of 16.8% in November.

Within this total, the value of re-exports increased 14% to $165.5 billion in December, while the value of domestic exports decreased 0.7% to $11.4 billion. 

At the same time, the value of goods imports increased 10.5% over a year earlier to $185.8 billion in December, after a year-on-year increase of 11.2% in November.

Trade deficits recorded in December, and in 2004

A trade deficit of $8.9 billion - equal to 4.8% of the value of goods imports - was recorded in December.

For 2004, the value of total goods exports rose 15.9% over 2003. Within this total, the value of re-exports increased 16.8%, and the value of domestic exports went up 3.5%. 

The value of goods imports also increased, 16.9%.  A trade deficit of $92 billion - equal to 4.4% of the value of goods imports - was recorded in 2004.

Comparing the fourth quarter of 2004 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total goods exports rose 4.1%. 

Within this total, the value of re-exports increased 3.9%, and the value of domestic exports went up 7.1%. 

The value of goods imports increased 2%.