Hactl announces tonnage throughput for the first half of 2008

(11 July2008, Hong Kong:) Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) announced today its tonnage throughput for June, the second quarter and the first half of year 2008.

A total of 219,502 tonnes were handled in June, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.5%. Tonnage throughput for the second quarter and for the first half of the year was 663,858 tonnes and 1,278,391 tonnes, representing a year-on-year growth of 5.4% and 5.9% respectively.

Export volume was 118,321 tonnes for June and 363,372 tonnes for the second quarter, registering a year-on-year growth of 0.1% and 3.2 % respectively. Volume exported to the U.S. and Europe registered a slight growth of 2.2% and 3.3% in the second quarter respectively, underlying a continuous slower growth trend for exports to both markets. Export volume growth to Mainland China remains fairly stable, registering a growth of 7.3% in the second quarter. Cumulative export tonnage for the first half of the year was 694,062 tonnes, up 4.1% against the same period last year.

A total of 57,461 tonnes and 174,594 tonnes of import cargo were handled in June and in the second quarter, representing a 0.7% decrease and a 5.3% increase year-on-year for the respective periods. Import volume from the U.S. registered a rather strong growth of 19.2% year-on-year in the second quarter as a result of the weak US dollar; while another major import market, Europe only showed a slight increase of 1.2%. Import volume from Mainland China registered a growth of 5.4% in the second quarter. Cumulative import tonnage for the first half of the year was 338,014 tonnes, up 3.1% against the same period last year.

Transshipment cargo continues to be the main driving force behind the steady cargo growth. The transshipment volume was 43,720 tonnes for June and 125,892 tonnes for the second quarter, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.1% and 12.4% for the respective periods. Total transshipment volume for the first six months was 246,315 tonnes, up 16% year-on-year.

Ms. Lilian Chan, General Manager, Marketing and Customer Service said, �The slowing US economy and high fuel prices continue to pose impacts on the cargo traffic around the globe. Despite the possibility of resulting contraction in carrier traffic amidst an uncertain industry outlook, we will strive to continuously enhance SuperTerminal 1's facilities as well as further uplifting our cargo handling services, ensuring we meet the on-going market challenges and supporting the growth of our customers."

The summary of the import, export and transshipment volumes handled in June, the second quarter and the first half of year 2008 is tabulated as follows :