Data from Transport Intelligence shows imports to Asia declined 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2012, compared to a growth of 5.8 percent in the first quarter.

   The decline in imports is attributed to the region's weaker economic performance in the second quarter (compared with a stronger first quarter). Meanwhile export volumes increased just 2.8 percent.

   The decline in imports in Asia is in line with the general trend in the global shipping volumes which declined in the second quarter of the year because of dismal economic condition in Europe, according to the latest report from Container Trade Statistics (CTS).

   CTS data shows that exports from Europe in terms of Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) grew three per cent in the second quarter of 2012, a marked slowdown from the revised first quarter figure of 9.7 percent, while imports to Europe fell 5.3 percent in the second quarter.

   Container exports from North America decreased 6.5 percent in the second quarter, while exports in the first quarter of the year were almost flat at minus -0 .6 percent.

   But import figures indicate a much more positive picture, up 9.9 percent in the second quarter, compared with growth of 3.7 percent in the first quarter. Negative export growth was reported in South America, the Middle East and Africa. In terms of imports, growth rates slowed considerably, however, they remained in positive territory.