The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 26) the external merchandise trade statistics for June 2021. In June 2021, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 33.0% and 31.9% respectively.

     In June 2021, the value of total exports of goods increased by 33.0% over a year earlier to $406.6 billion, after a year-on-year increase of 24.0% in May 2021. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 31.9% over a year earlier to $447.1 billion in June 2021, after a year-on-year increase of 26.5% in May 2021. A visible trade deficit of $40.5 billion, equivalent to 9.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in June 2021.

     For the first half of 2021 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 30.0% over the same period in 2020.  Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 26.8%. A visible trade deficit of $165.6 billion, equivalent to 6.7% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first half of 2021.

     Comparing the second quarter of 2021 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods decreased by 1.9%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 1.7%.

Analysis by country/territory

     Comparing June 2021 with June 2020, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 35.6%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Korea (+64.1%), Taiwan (+46.1%), the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+36.6%), the Philippines (+31.9%) and Malaysia (+31.2%).

     Apart from destinations in Asia, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the USA (+19.2%).

     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular India (+68.3%), Korea (+59.3%), Singapore (+55.1%), the USA (+42.7%) and Taiwan (+41.8%). The value of imports from the Mainland also increased by 32.0%. However, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Malaysia (-6.4%).

     For the first half of 2021 as a whole, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular the United Kingdom (+119.7%), Taiwan (+43.2%), India (+35.1%), the Mainland (+33.3%) and Korea (+32.8%).  

     Over the same period of comparison, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular India (+60.2%), Taiwan (+42.5%), Singapore (+37.8%), Korea (+35.4%) and the Mainland (+27.4%).  However, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Malaysia (-1.1%).

Analysis by major commodity

     Comparing June 2021 with June 2020, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $59.9 billion or 44.6%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $8.9 billion or 25.4%), "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares)" (by $6.5 billion or 44.1%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $5.9 billion or 11.4%) and "non-metallic mineral manufactures" (by $5.4 billion or 66.4%).

     Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $54.4 billion or 37.2%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $10.6 billion or 36.4%), "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares)" (by $9.1 billion or 59.0%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $7.7 billion or 14.4%) and "non-metallic mineral manufactures" (by $5.4 billion or 66.0%).

     For the first half of 2021 as a whole, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $289.6 billion or 38.3%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $62.9 billion or 21.9%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $40.6 billion or 20.2%), "non-metallic mineral manufactures" (by $31.9 billion or 64.6%) and "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares)" (by $31.2 billion or 39.1%). However, a year-on-year decrease was registered in the value of total exports of "power generating machinery and equipment" (by $2.2 billion or -5.0%).

     Over the same period of comparison, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $268.6 billion or 33.1%), "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $73.3 billion or 26.4%), "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares)" (by $37.8 billion or 37.8%) and "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $35.0 billion or 21.9%). However, a year-on-year decrease was registered in the value of imports of "power generating machinery and equipment" (by $8.8 billion or -16.5%).

Commentary

     A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports continued to grow strongly in June over a year earlier.  Exports to the Mainland, the US and the EU all accelerated in growth, while those to other Asian markets also expanded by varying degrees. For the first half of 2021 combined, total merchandise trade value amounted to $4,748.6 billion, surpassing the high in the same period in 2018 by 13.0%.

     Looking ahead, the improved external environment should continue to support Hong Kong's export performance in the near term. Yet, the recent surge of COVID-19 mutant infections may hinder the pace of economic recovery in some major markets.  Developments of China-US relations and geopolitical tensions also warrant attention. The Government will monitor the situation closely.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for June 2021. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2018 to June 2021, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.

     The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for June 2021 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.

     Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for June 2021.

     All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for June 2021 will be released in mid-August 2021.

     The June 2021 issue of "Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade" contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong's external merchandise trade in June 2021 and will be available in mid-August 2021. Users can download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode230.html).

     Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 5042). 

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, July 26, 2021 is 101.8(up 0.1 against last Saturday's index).

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, July 24, 2021 is 101.7 (same as last Friday's index).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (July 26), three COVID-19 confirmed patients (case numbers: 11965, 11970 and 11975) were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 11 701 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.

     At present, there are 602 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 089 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 30 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in nine public hospitals and the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, among which one patient (case number: 11971) is in critical condition, one (case number: 9907) is in serious condition and the remaining 28 patients are in stable condition.

     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 0.00am, July 26, no new confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in Hong Kong remained at 11 979 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 11 978 confirmed cases and one probable case).

     A total of 27 cases have been reported in the past 14 days (July 12 to 25) and all of them are imported cases.

     Separately, according to the testing and quarantine arrangements for local COVID-19 cases with mutant strains, the CHP reminded that persons who resided or worked within the same building as the residence of relevant cases will be subject to compulsory testing on days 3, 7, 12 and 19 following the announcement of the relevant confirmed cases by the DH. They will also be required to undergo self-monitoring until the 21st day. Relevant deadlines of compulsory testing for respective specified premises are listed on the Government's website at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/CTN_Specified_premises_and_Dates_of_Testing.pdf.

     Specified persons in relation to the following specified premises are also reminded to undergo compulsory testing in accordance with the Compulsory Testing Notice (CTN) tomorrow (July 27):
     – Tang Kung Mansion, Kam Din Terrace, Taikoo Shing.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. For case details and contact tracing information, please see the list of buildings with confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and the latest local situation of COVID-19 available on the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk).

     Meanwhile, the CHP reminded those who had visited specified venues under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation (Cap. 599J) to receive COVID-19 nucleic acid testing according to CTNs. The Regulation also requires all household members of close contacts of confirmed cases to undergo a COVID-19 nucleic acid test within a specified period according to CTNs published in the Gazette. The public are also urged to seek medical attention early if symptoms develop, and undergo testing as soon as possible.

     The CHP strongly urged members of the public to avoid all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong, in particular to specified places with extremely high risk and very high risk under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H). If travel is unavoidable, the CHP highly recommended the public to be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines before their departure with a view to lowering their chances of being infected with COVID-19 overseas. They should continue to wear a surgical mask and maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Parents are also urged to avoid taking unvaccinated children to travel. The spokesman stressed, "The global situation of COVID-19 infection remains severe and there is a continuous increase in the number of cases involving mutant strains that carry higher transmissibility, and there are also reports of breakthrough infections in some vaccinated individuals. Members of the public must seriously evaluate the risk of non-essential travel."

     The Government has launched the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Members of the public are encouraged to get vaccinated. Details of the programme can be found at the designated website (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk).

     The CHP called on members of the public to avoid going out, having social contact and dining out. They should put on a surgical mask and maintain stringent hand hygiene when they need to go out. The CHP strongly urged the elderly to stay home as far as possible and avoid going out. They should consider asking their family and friends to help with everyday tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.

     "The CHP also strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes. Moreover, vaccination may help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19, and, generally speaking, vaccines can also reduce the chance of transmission by those who have been vaccinated. People vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine can also generate herd immunity. Members of the public are urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and book their vaccination appointments at the website (booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/index.jsp).

     "As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps). After using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs," the spokesman said.

     Moreover, the Government has launched the website "COVID-19 Thematic Website" (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. Members of the public may also gain access to information via the COVID-19 WhatsApp Helpline launched by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Simply by saving 9617 1823 in their phone contacts or clicking the link wa.me/85296171823?text=hi, they will be able to obtain information on COVID-19 as well as the "StayHomeSafe" mobile app and wristband via WhatsApp.

     To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to:
 

• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
• Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-trap) to ensure environmental hygiene;
• After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub is an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

     Q-Leak, the underground water mains leak detection training centre, was opened today (July 26) to provide better facilities for strengthening the industry with training and research capabilities on leak detection. 

     Officiating at the opening ceremony today, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Kelvin Lo, said that the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has always been committed to stepping up measures to prevent water leakages from both public and private water mains in a bid to reduce water loss. It is targeted that by 2030 the leakage rate of public water mains could be reduced from the current 15 per cent to below 10 per cent, and measures could be formulated to help minimise water leakage from private water mains. In view of the extension of the Water Intelligent Network in phases with more District Metering Areas (DMAs) established, the WSD constructed a new underground water mains leak detection training centre at the site of Tsing Yi North Low Level Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs. It serves to facilitate relevant training for more leak detection practitioners, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of leak detection, as well as to enable the implementation of risk-based improvement works for water mains.

     As the old leak detection training ground located on Beacon Hill is constrained by its limited size and insufficient training facilities to meet demands, the WSD commissioned the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2020 to design Q-Leak, the new training centre. The centre covers about 2 400 square metres with facilities simulating the complicated water supply network of Hong Kong and underground water main leakage under various conditions and scenarios, including different pipe sizes and materials, as well as various water flow patterns. The centre provides a safe environment for leak detection practitioners to conduct training and skills assessments on various leak detection technologies in simulated DMAs.

     Looking ahead, the WSD envisages Q-Leak to serve as a teaching and research cooperation platform amongst the department, the trade and post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong in the field of water mains leak detection, with a view to elevating Hong Kong's leak detection technical level and excellence and contributing to the management of precious water resources of the territory.