"As the market no longer sees a straight-line appreciation for the yuan, a lot of Hong Kong exporters receiving yuan as payments are starting to use options to manage their yuan exposure, " said Candy Ho, head of yuan business development in the Asia-Pacific region for HSBC Holdings PLC.

WSJ: Firms, in Shift, See End to Yuan's Steady Gains

Another Hong Kong infomediary, Arena, boosts shipyard efficiency by enabling shippers, exporters and manufacturers share information.

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Mr. Chan predicted that the next phase of offshore yuan trade would involve "more balanced flow between the mainland and Hong Kong, " with Chinese currency moving in both directions as more Chinese exporters ask to accept yuan in payment for their goods from overseas buyers.

WSJ: The View From Hong Kong: Walking a Fine Line on Yuan Trade

However, Francis Lun, chief economist of GE Oriental Financial Group in Hong Kong, said the actual figure was probably closer to 2 to 3 percent but was inflated by exporters seeking government rebates.

NPR: Asia Stocks Rise On Heels Of New Dow Record High