Parallel-goods trading activity remains low in Sheung Shui
Activity remains low at the parallel-goods trading hotspot on the first day after the Lunar New Year, despite predictions otherwise
Predictions that the parallel-goods trading activities in Sheung Shui would pick up again once the Lunar New Year period ended proved false yesterday.
In the vicinity of the Sheung Shui MTR station yesterday afternoon, just a handful of traders were seen packing their goods - including small sachets of milk powder, diapers and candies - to bring to sell on the mainland.
"The number has dropped a lot, as you can see," said an MTR staff member. "Usually, there are more than 10 people lining up to have their luggage weighed. But there is no queue now."
The MTR further tightened its weight limit for each passenger's luggage from 32kg to 23kg.
And on Friday, new government restrictions will come into force, preventing travellers leaving Hong Kong from carrying more than two cans, or 1.8kg, of infant formula out of the city.
Offenders face a maximum of two years in jail and a fine of up to HK$500,000.
Pharmacies near the Sheung Shui MTR station said their stocks of infant formula had regained stability since earlier this month. Local mothers now have no problem securing the milk powder at a reasonable price of about HK$280 per can, they said.