Mainland China's gold imports from Hong Kong fell last month to their lowest in six months as purchases slowed in the world's second-biggest gold consumer amid weaker prices.
Net gold imports from Hong Kong dropped to 67.58 tonnes from 76.12 tonnes in January and 112.31 tonnes a year ago, according to data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department.
The imports were the lowest for a month since August last year.
Jewellery demand typically rises before the Lunar New Year, which fell in the middle of last month, as gold is bought widely for gift-giving. It then eases after the holiday.
The slide last month suggested consumers were cautious given weakening gold prices.
Prices of the metal fell more than 5 per cent last month, their biggest monthly drop since September last year, on concerns that the United States Federal Reserve could increase interest rates as early as June.