External Sector Performance – August 2010

Earnings from exports increased by 7 per cent to US dollars 760 million in August, recording the highest monthly value thus far in 2010. Cumulative earnings from exports during the first eight months of 2010 increased by 11 per cent to US dollars 5,040 million compared to the corresponding period of 2009. Expenditure on imports increased by 36 per cent to US dollars 1,143 million in August 2010 reflecting substantial increases in all major categories of imports. Cumulative expenditure on imports during the first eight months of 2010 increased by 37 per cent to US dollars 8,670 million compared to the corresponding period of 2009.