Export Index
The HKTDC Export Index is a barometer of exporters’ business sentiment. The index lies between 0 and 100. A reading above 50 indicates that more than half of the respondents feel optimistic or neutral about their business, and so there is a likely upward trend of the overall export performance. Nevertheless, the Index by no means reflects or measures the rate of expected change.
The Offshore Trade Index reflects respondents’ expectation on the performance of offshore trade (shipments not passing through Hong Kong). The index lies between 0 and 100. A reading above 50 indicates that more than half of the respondents feel optimistic or neutral about their offshore trade, and so there is a likely upward trend of the overall offshore trade performance. Nevertheless, the Index by no means reflects or measures the rate of expected change.
The Trade Value Index reflects respondents' expectation on their export unit prices. The index lies between 0 and 100. A reading above 50 indicates that more than half of the respondents expect their export unit prices to go up or remain the same, and so there is a likely upward trend of the overall export unit prices. Nevertheless, the Index by no means reflects or measures the rate of expected change.
The Procurement Index reflects respondents' procurement sentiment. The index lies between 0 and 100. A reading above 50 indicates that more than half of the respondents have bought in more raw materials or goods for future exports or maintain the level of inventory, which may indicate higher prices of raw materials and semi-manufactures or an optimistic outlook over a longer period. Nevertheless, the Index by no means reflects or measures the rate of expected change.
The Employment Index reflects respondents' hiring sentiment. The index lies between 0 and 100. A reading above 50 indicates that more than half of the respondents expect to expand or maintain the size of the labour force, and so there is a likely expansionary trend of the labour force. Nevertheless, the Index by no means reflects or measures the rate of expected change.
