Export volume in March was 96,529 tons, down 26.9% compared with last year. Cumulative export tonnage for the first quarter was 236,766 tons, representing a drop of 28.4% year-on-year. Export to China showed a considerable drop of 38.4% in the first quarter, while USA and Europe recorded a decline of 29.0% and 28.9% respectively.
A total of 47,741 tons of import cargo were handled in March, showing a year-on-year drop of 19.3%. Cumulative import tonnage for the first quarter was 122,959 tons, down 24.8% against the same period last year. Import from China, USA and Europe declined 24.7%, 21.2% and 24.8% in the first quarter respectively.
Transshipment volume for March recorded a comparatively mild decrease of 6.7% year-on-year to 42,366 tons. Total transshipment volume for the first quarter was 103,289 tons, down 14.2% year-on-year.
"The March figures came as a minor relief, as compared to the sharp tonnage declines registered in the previous months. But market outlook remains grim for the rest of 2009 as the global trade market will need more time to recover,' said Lilian Chan, General Manager of Marketing and Customer Service. 'Hactl has always maintained a long term focus despite the uncertainties ahead. Our recent successful pursuit of the ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations), ISO14001 and OHSAS18001 accreditations testifies our effort in enhancing operational safety and security, environmental management as well as occupational health and safety management, underlining our dedication to service excellence.'
The import, export and transshipment volumes for March and the first quarter of year 2009 are tabulated below:
Tonnage handled by Hactl in March and January to March 2009
| ' | Mar 2009 | Jan to Mar 2009 (Cumulative) | ||
| ' | Tonnage |
Year-on-Year Growth | Tonnage |
Year-on-Year Growth |
| Export | 96,529 | -26.9% | 236,766 | -28.4% |
| Import | 47,741 | -19.3% | 122,959 | -24.8% |
| Transshipment | 42,366 | -6.7% | 103,289 | -14.2% |
| Total | 186,636 | -21.1% | 463,014 | -24.7% |
