Trade gap narrows

The visible trade gap narrowed to Lm38.2 million in April, down by Lm6.2 million from the same month last year, contributing to an overall improvement of Lm42.7 million in the trade gap for the first four months of the year, the National Statistics...

The visible trade gap narrowed to Lm38.2 million in April, down by Lm6.2 million from the same month last year, contributing to an overall improvement of Lm42.7 million in the trade gap for the first four months of the year, the National Statistics Office said yesterday.

In April there was a fall in imports of Lm10.7 million, while exports decreased by Lm4.5 million. The shortfall in imports was mainly due to lower imports of mineral fuel and lubricants, machinery and transport equipment, and miscellaneous manufactured articles.

Machinery and transport equipment accounted for the decline in exports during April when compared to the same month last year.

In the first four months, the visible trade gap stood at Lm140.4 million, with imports falling by Lm30.7 million and exports increasing by Lm12 million.

Higher import values were registered for industrial supplies and consumer goods, while capital goods imports registered decreases. The increase in exports was generated primarily by food, chemicals, miscellaneous manufactured articles and mineral fuels and lubricants.

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