Imports Grew in the First Quarter 2013

"Merchandise imports increased by 1.3 percent to CI$192.9 million in the first quarter of 2013."

Merchandise imports increased by 1.3 percent to CI$192.9 million in the first quarter of 2013.

⫿I am pleased to note that imports of capital goods in particular rose by 22.1 percent in the first quarter,??? stated the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economic Development Mr. Marco Archer. ⫿This augurs well for this year’s overall economic forecast as it suggests increased economic activity in physical capital formation,??? he further stated.

Classifying imports by country of origin indicates that trade from Panama, Jamaica and Canada registered the highest increases of 29.5 percent, 25.7 percent and 17.8 percent respectively. Significant growth was also recorded for imports from Cuba (11.3%). Trade from the United States showed a modest increase of 3.3 percent. In contrast, imports from Switzerland was sharply reduced by 90.5 percent Capital goods excludes transport equipment and includes telecommunication equipment, motors and generators and hand tools. Subscribe