Sharp increases in cargo volumes in the first quarter have not dispelled the shadow cast by the recession. The slow and wobbly recovery in demand leaves analysts cautiously optimistic about growth in trade the rest of the year.

Volumes for both general cargo and shipping containers at major ports recovered strongly in the first quarter, registering an estimated 22 percent growth compared with the same period a year ago, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Rising imports of coal, crude oil, iron ore and other mineral resources contributed to most of the growth, according to the ministry. In the first two months, imports of coal and manufactured foreign trade goods hit 31.25 million tonnes, 3.3 times more than in the same period in 2009.