3
7.
Re-exports increased by about 17% in
This
real terms in the third quarter over the same
quarter last year, representing a marked
slow-down from the growth rates of 34% in the
first quarter and 25% in the second quarter.
The growth rate of re-exports to China, in
particular, has been on a declining trend.
was partly due to the effect of China's
austerity programme and its intensification in
recent months, and partly due to a larger base
of comparison following substantial growth for
two consecutive years. Another factor was a
slackening in outward processing activities
across the border. The slow-down in domestic
exports to China was attributable to broadly the
same reasons.
8.
The year-on-year growth rate of
imports also slowed down considerably, to about
4% in real terms in the third quarter, from 26%
and 15% respectively in the first and second
quarters. On the same basis of comparison,
retained imports fell by about 8% in real terms
in the third quarter, following increases of 19%
and 7% respectively in the first and second
quarters.