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In the first eight months of 1996, a visible trade deficit of $97.6 billion, equivalent to 9.7% of the value of imports, was recorded. This was smaller than the deficit of $109.8 billion, equivalent to 11% of the value of imports, recorded in the same period in 1995.
Commenting on the latest trade figures, a government spokesman said export growth moderated somewhat in August 1996, after a marked pick-up in the previous month. On the other hand, as imports grew only marginally, the visible trade deficit showed a substantial decrease when compared with the same period in 1995.
Meanwhile, retained imports in August 1996 continued to fall, by 8.9% over a year earlier.
The table annexed presents the external trade figures in August 1996.
A more detailed analysis of Hong Kong's external trade for August 1996, by commodity and country, will be released in mid-October.
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