Macau Trade Deficit Narrows in August

Macau’s trade deficit narrowed to MOP 8.6 billion in August, marking the smallest trade deficit since February, compared from MOP 9.2 billion a year earlier. Exports fell 2.3% year-on-year to MOP 1.3 billion, driven largely by a 42% decrease in textiles and garments. By contrast, exports in non-textiles rose 3.5%, particularly machines, apparatus and parts (+254.9%). Outbound shipments surged to the mainland China (+500.3%), followed by Philippines (+350.3%) and the EU (+43.5%), while exports declined to the US (-51.7%) and Hong Kong (-30.7%). Imports decreased 6.1% to MOP 9.8 billion, with notable declines in watches (-25.5%). In contrast, purchases rose in gold jewelry (+14%). Imports increased from Hong Kong (+7.9%), but declined from Switzerland (-18.8%), the US (-15.8%), and Japan (-12.2%). In the first eight months, Macau’s trade deficit narrowed to MOP 71.2 billion from MOP 75.5 billion recorded last year, as exports increased 1.0% while imports fell 4.9%.