China’s Motorcycle Exports Drop in January
China exported 543,169 motorcycles in January, down 25.1% from the same month in 2004, according to Chinese customs authorities. The exports were valued at $123.6 million U.S. in January 2005, up 8.9% from January 2004.
The change was unusual in that it was the only decrease in unit exports in the 13-month report provided by the government. However, the rate of increase has been declining each month since January 2004. In that month, Chinese exports were 725,101 units, up 137.1% over January 2003. Exports climbed steadily to 10.1 million units in December 2004, but they were up only 12.7% over December 2003.
The same trend was true in the total value of exports: increasing total dollar value, but a declining rate of growth each month. The total value of motorcycle exports in January 2004 was $113.3 million U.S., up 84.4% over January 2003. Total value climbed to $1,987.9 million in December 2004, up 37.3% over the same month in 2003. January exports dropped sharply to $123.6 million U.S., up only 8.9% over the previous January.
