CEPA exports drop 26.3 pct in March

Macau’s exports of zero-tariff goods to Mainland China under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) fell by 26.3 per cent month-on-month in March, registering the lowest export figure for this year.
According to the official data released by the Macao Economic Services (DSEC), the city’s total CEPA exports amounted to MOP5.38 million (US$672.5 million) last month, MOP1.92 million less than in February. The amount was also lower than January’s MOP7.1 million figure.
For the first quarter of the year, the city’s exports of goods under the agreement amounted to MOP19.7 million. Accumulative exports under the agreement since it came into effect in January 2004 until the end of March, totalled MOP786.2 million.
As at the end of last month, a total of 616 local firms had been awarded “Macau Service Supplier” certificates. The certificates allow local companies and enterprises to operate their businesses on the Mainland and enjoy zero tariff treatment.
According to the official data, 49 per cent of the issued certificates have been granted to local firms engaged in the transport industry, such as those operating freight forwarding agencies, and businesses related to logistics, storage and warehouse as well as transport.
In addition, some 147 of these certificates have been given to companies providing medical and dental services, which accounted for 24 per cent of the total.
Other local firms awarded the certificates are primarily engaged in real estate services, MICE business and travel agency services.