HONG KONG - Hong Kong saw the value of total exports of goods in the first quarter up 9.7 percent from the same period last year, and the value of imports of goods up 10.6 percent, statistics showed on Thursday.A visible trade deficit of HK$130 billion ($16.56 billion), equivalent to 12.1 percent of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first quarter, according to the Census and Statistics Departments of the government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.Comparing the first quarter of 2018 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods rose by 3 percent. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods rose by 3.5 percent.In March, the value of total exports of goods gained by 8 percent over a year earlier to HK$347.7 billion, after a year-on-year increase of 1.7 percent in February.The value of imports of goods went up by 10.7 percent over a year earlier to HK$403.2 billion in March, after a year-on-year decrease of 3.2 percent in February. A visible trade deficit of HK$55.5 billion, equivalent to 13.8 percent of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in March.A government spokesman said merchandise exports continued to grow notably in March over a year earlier, amid a stronger global economy that kept trading and production activities broadly buoyant in Asia.The spokesman said the prevailing broad-based momentum of the global economy should continue to provide a supportive trading environment for Hong Kong in the near term. silicone bracelet makerwoven braceletscheap silicone wristbands24 hour wristbands coupon
TAIPEI - Typhoon Maria, the eighth typhoon of the year, has halted work and classes in Taiwan.The typhoon is forecast to bring strong winds and downpours to Taiwan from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning, local meteorological authorities said.As of 3 pm Tuesday, Maria was moving westerly and northwesterly in the waters off Yilan county at a speed of 30 km per hour. Authorities in Taitung county observed sea waves up to 7 meters high on Tuesday morning.Strong rain has hit the island as the typhoon approached, and strong gusts of wind are predicted in mountainous areas of Taipei.Meteorological authorities have issued warnings about downpours in areas including New Taipei city, Keelung, Taipei, Taoyuan, Yilan and Taichung.The typhoon also affected transportation, with trains halted and flights canceled.
