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Apr exports value down 13%

The value of Hong Kong's total exports decreased to $338.3 billion in April, down 13% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.   The value of imports of goods decreased 11.9% to $374.9 billion for the same period.   A trade deficit of $36.6 billion, or 9.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in April.   Comparing the three-month period ending April with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 15.4%, while that of imports increased 10.7%.   The Government noted that the value of merchandise exports declined further from a year earlier in April. Exports to the Mainland, the US and the European Union all shrank and exports to other major Asian markets recorded decreases of varying degrees.   Looking ahead, it added that the weakness in the advanced economies will continue to weigh on Hong Kong's export performance, though the expected faster recovery of the Mainland economy should

Macau quarantine exemption halted

The Government announced today that in light of the latest pandemic situation in Macau, all arrivals in Hong Kong from Macau will not be exempted from compulsory quarantine under the Return2hk Scheme or Come2hk Scheme from 10pm today.   According to the arrangement, people who have stayed in Macau on the day of arrival in Hong Kong or during the 14 days before that day will not be exempted from compulsory quarantine upon arrival.   They will be subject to a 14-day compulsory quarantine at home if they have not been fully vaccinated, while those who have been fully vaccinated will be subject to a seven-day compulsory home quarantine.   All arrivals from Macau have to undergo tests at prescribed times under the established requirement.   People who have applied for quotas to enter Hong Kong under both schemes beforehand will not be exempted from compulsory quarantine.   The Government will send SMS notifications to the affected people who have already applied for quotas under the two schemes for the latest arrangement.   The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to maintain close liaison with the Macau authorities on the pandemic prevention and control measures of the two places.   Click here for details.
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