December 15, 2006
The January to August 2006 External Trade Bulletin released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reveals that imports during the period January to August 2006 grew by 20.1 percent to US$3,764.8 million. Total exports rose by 32.4 percent to US$1,338.6 million, at the end of the period. The trade deficit stood at US$2,426.2 million, 14.3 percent US$303.5 million above the comparable period for 2005.

The Major Commodity group imported during January to August 2006 was “Minerals Fuels etcetera” valued at US$1, 241.5 million. This was the most significant contributor to the increase in imports. Other major Commodity groups imported were ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’ (US$729.1 million) “Chemicals” (US$ 458.8 million), “Manufactured Goods” (US$437.7 million), and “Food” (US$404.3 million)

Domestic Exports during January to August 2006 grew by 32.6 percent to earn US$1,316.3 million. Re-exports for the period were valued at US$ 22.3 million, increasing by US$3.8 million or 20.5 percent.
Earnings from traditional domestic exports stood at US$916.9 million, 14.4 percent above the comparable period of 2005. Non-traditional domestic exports grew by US$208.9 million to US$399.4 million.

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