Traffic at China’s top ten container ports fell in June from the previous month amid doubts over the sustainability of the nation's export surge, according to a leading container shipping analyst.

Throughput at the top ten ports, which account for the majority of China's exports and imports of containerized goods, fell by 1.9 percent in June to 9.92 million 20-foot equivalent units from 10.11 million TEUs in May, Alphaliner, the Paris-based consultancy, reported.

Although June volume was still the second highest on record, throughput showed signs of weakening with Guangzhou and Shanghai reporting the sharpest declines of 7.1 percent and 5.1 percent respectively.

China's merchandise exports hit an all time monthly high in June, however, reaching $137.4 billion, up 44 percent from a year ago and 4 percent higher than in May.

Imports grew 34 percent from June 2009 to $117.4 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $20 billion, the highest monthly figure since October.

But there are mixed signs over the strength of China's export drive even as the traditional July-September peak season approaches, Alphaliner said.

Part of the increase in June shipments was due to a rush to meet a July 15 deadline for the expiry of export rebates on various energy-consuming commodities, including steel and metal products.

Although the move was only announced on June 22, exporters anticipated the change since May.
(Source:www.joc.com)