The value of Hong Kong's goods exports rose 9.2 per cent on-year to reach HK$207.4 billion (US$26.55 billion) in January, following a gain of 13.7 per cent in December.

The value of re-exports climbed 12.5 per cent to HK$199 billion, while the value of domestic exports dropped 35.8 per cent to HK$8.4 billion.

During the month of January, the value of goods imports increased 14.1 per cent on-year earlier to HK$211.8 billion, after rising 14.5 per cent in December.

In a statement, the Census & Statistics Department suggested that growth in January could have been boosted by the difference in timing of the Lunar New Year holiday, which was not celebrated in late January 2006 but in mid-February 2007.

It held that as trade figures are inclined to be volatile in the first two months of the year, it is important to analyse statistics for January and February together for a better picture of trade performance.