PRESS RELEASE
EXTERNAL TRADE BULLETIN
January to July 2006

November 7, 2006

The January to July 2006 External Trade Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reveals that imports during the period January to July 2006 grew by 23.1 percent to US$3,274.1 million. Total exports rose by 31.6 percent to US$1,140.1 million, at the end of the period. The trade deficit stood at US$2,134.1 million, 19.0 percent above the comparable period for 2005.

The Major Commodity groups imported during January to July were "Minerals Fuels & Lubricants" which amounted to US$1,112.3 million, Machinery and Transport Equipment' (US$609.1. million) "Chemicals" (US$ 396.9 million) "Manufactured Goods" (US$377.2 million), and "Food" (US$353.2 million)

Domestic Exports during January to July 2006 grew by 31.8 percent to US$1,120.2 million. Re-exports for the period were valued at US$ 19.9 million, increasing US$3.7 million.

Earnings from traditional domestic exports stood at US$787.8 million, 11.1 percent above the comparable period of 2005. Non-traditional domestic exports grew by US$191.6 million to US$332.5 million.

*** The June 2006 imports have been revised and now reflect a total of US$504. 4 million: The trade deficit at June 2006 therefore now stands US$1,765.9 million

he External Trade Bulletin for January to July 2006 further outlines additional information and may be obtained at our distribution centre located at 7 Cecelio Avenue Kingston 10.