Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/13/2014 -- Following a year in which BMI believes saw mixed growth dynamics in different freight modes, 2014 will signal growth across the whole freight transport sector in line with macroeconomic outlook. US demand is set to continue recovering in 2014, while the eurozone we believe will only return to the path of recovery. Development in both major economies will have a positive effect on throughput at Hong Kong's port, which caters as a container shipping hub for Asia, and also the country's air freight volumes, with Hong Kong boasting the busiest cargo airport globally.

The port of Hong Kong is forecast to return to growth both in tonnage and box throughput in 2014, after they were hindered by a forty day strike at the port in 2013. Although up until 2012 it was managing to weather the competition from the development of Shenzhen as China's second largest container port and despite the close proximity of the two facilities was managing to retain its lead, Hong Kong is now estimated to have lost it to Shenzhen, which, BMI believes, also had its container throughput bolstered as a result of the Hong Kong 2013 strike, as some shippers re-routed there to avoid the industrial action. We, however, also highlight that the port of Hong Kong has long-term expansion plans in place to ensure it remains among the world's top ports.

View Full Report Details and Table of Contents

Hong Kong's air freight volumes are forecast to continue increasing in 2014. The country's road freight volumes, more reliant on domestic growth outlook, rather than that of the international freight sector, will be boosted on the back of an improvement in Hong Kong's real GDP growth, which is forecast to accelerate to a 3.0% in 2014.

Headline Industry Data

- 2014 Air freight tonnage is expected to grow by 2.3%
- 2014 Port of Hong Kong throughput is forecast to grow by 1.0%
- 2014 Road freight is forecast to grow by 2.2%
- 2014 Inland waterway freight is forecast to grow by 6.3%
- 2014 Total real trade growth is forecast at 4.2%.

Key Industry Trends

HKIA Fights to Stay on Top with New Cathay Cargo Terminal- Cathay Pacific's new cargo terminal at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) presents upside risks amid a tough time for the global air freight industry. China has steadily been improving its freight connectivity, placing pressure on the traditional route of using HKIA as a transhipment hub. But the terminal marks the beginning of HKIA's fight back to hold onto its title as the world's busiest cargo gateway.

About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget. For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

Browse all Transportation research reports at Fast Market Research

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- Hungary Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Russia Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- China Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Romania Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Vietnam Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Australia Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Iran Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- South Africa Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Belgium Freight Transport Report Q1 2014
- Israel Freight Transport Report Q1 2014