News Content

Zhuhai Gongbei customs: Macau trade up 24.3pc to US$2 billion

ZHUHAI's Gongbei customs posted a year-on-year 24.3 per cent increase in trade value with Macau from January to November to US$2.01 billion, Xinhua reports.

Zhuhai borders Macau, and its checkpoints Gongbei and Hengqin are the major gateways for trade between the mainland and Macau.

In the first 11 months, general trade with Macau handled by Gongbei customs grew 31.8 per cent to $1.64 billion, taking up 81.4 per cent of the total of the custom's trade with Macau. Private firms contributed $1.14 billion to the trade value, up 34.7 per cent, taking up 56.7 per cent of the total.

Exports of food, household goods and construction materials to Macau is rising rapidly. Electric power exports increased 7.4 per cent to $390 million. Agricultural products grew 8.3 per cent to $260 million. Furniture and parts jumped 41.1 per cent to $75.44 million. Aqua products surged 39.6 per cent to $40.44 million.

Increasing infrastructure projects in Macau also spurred growth of imported construction materials. Steel exports via Gongbei to Macau surged 99.5 per cent to $48.95 million. Ceramic tiles increased 30.7 per cent to $31.06 million. Cement soared 94.3 per cent to $12.08 million.

CEPA's zero-tariff preferential policy also spurred growth of Zhuhai's imports of copper from Macau. Gongbei handled $13.24 million's worth of imported cooper, up 18 per cent, accounting for 57.9 per cent of the customs' Macau import total.

Macau trade cargo through Gongbei customs during the 14 years since Macau was returned to China has amounted to $18.98 billion.

General trade has replaced processing trade to be the major form of Zhuhai's trade with Macau, while private local firms have replaced foreign-invested firms and have become the largest contributor to the city's trade with Macau.