The city’s exports of zero-tariff goods to Mainland China under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) experienced a drastic drop of 56.57 per cent this May compared to the previous month, the latest official data released by the Macau Economic Services (DSE) reveals. Last month, the export value of CEPA zero-tariff goods to the Mainland amounted to MOP4.85 million (US$0.6 million), a decrease of some MOP6.3 million from the month before. Including May, the accumulated exports of goods under the agreement totalled MOP704.72 million since coming into effect in January 2004. So far this year under the agreement the accumulated export of goods has reached MOP37.41 million. In addition, in May the number of Macau Service Supplier certificates remained at 598 – unaltered from the previous month. The certificates allow local firms to operate their businesses in the Mainland and enjoy zero-tariff treatment. According to official data, half of the issued certificates, some 298, were granted to local firms engaged in the transport industry – such as those operating freight forwarding agencies – and businesses related to logistics, storage and warehousing. Furthermore, 147 of these certificates were given to companies providing medical and dental services, which accounted for 25 per cent of the total.
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