HONG Kong's Census and Statistics Department has reported a six per cent year on year decline in the city's port cargo throughput for the fourth quarter.

Outward cargo led the drop, falling nine per cent year on year to 103.7 million tonnes while inbound cargo also slipped, dropping five per cent leaving import figures unchanged year on year.

Also noteworthy was the distinction between seaborne and river cargo, the former of which dropped 10 per cent to 161.6 million tonnes, with the latter reporting a two per cent increase.

Though overall inbound cargo fell, several countries significantly increased their shipment volumes to the city. Most notable among these were Australia, Malaysia, and the United States, with 126 per cent, 46 per cent, and 19 per cent year on year tonnage increases respectively.

On the outbound side, the most significant increases were seen in shipments to Taiwan, mainland China and Thailand, each receiving 66 per cent, 36 per cent and 17 per cent more cargo respectively. Germany, Korea, and the Philippines meanwhile experienced declines of inbound Hong Kong tonnage, falling 23, 18 and 11 per cent respectively.