October 23, 2019
During the period January to July 2019 the Jamaica’s imports amounted US$3,833.9 million increasing by 11.8% relative to US$3,429.8 million for the corresponding period in 2018 based on data released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). Revenue from total exports totalled US$1,007.8 million for the period under review, a decline of 2.6% when compared to the US$1,035.2 million earned in the similar period in 2018.
STATIN highlighted, “Expenditure on imports from the United States of America (USA) – Jamaica’s main trading partner – was valued at US$1,785.7 million. This is 14.5% above the US$1,559.1 million recorded for January to July 2019. Earnings from total exports to the USA amounted to US$367.4 million, an increase of 7.3%.”
Imports
The increase in imports was attributed to “Machinery and Transport Equip”, “Mineral Fuels Etcetera” and “Food” as these were the main commodity groups responsible for the increase in spending.”
STATIN highlighted, “Higher imports of ‘Road Vehicles’ and ‘Electrical Machinery, Apparatus and Appliances, n.e.s., etc’ and ‘Other Transport Equipment’ were primarily responsible for the 17.1% increase in the expenditure on “Machinery & Transport Equip” which was valued at US893.7 million. “Mineral Fuels, Etcetera” were valued at US$1,050.5 million, when compared to the US$937.3 million spent for the same period in 2018. Partly refined petroleum, including Topped Crudes and Ultra-low Sulphur Diesel oil were the main contributors to the increase.”
Imports of ‘Food’ totalled US$597.5 million, 17.1% more than the US$510.4 million recorded for the same period of 2018. The movement according to STATIN was traced to, “higher imports of ‘Dairy Products and Birds’ Eggs’, ‘Miscellaneous Edible Products and Preparations’ and ‘Meat and Meat Preparations’.”
Traditional Domestic Exports
Traditional Domestic Exports for the review period were valued at US$611.6 million, approximately of 6.4% below last year’s US$653.3 million. STATIN noted, “Traditional domestic exports accounted for 62.8% of total domestic exports.” Notably, Non-Traditional Domestic Exports over the period January to July 2019 earned US$361.6 million, 4.9% above last year’s corresponding period. The commodity groups were “Food”, “Beverages & Tobacco” and “Other” Non-Traditional Domestic Exports were responsible for the overall increase in receipts.
CARICOM Trade
The imports from CARICOM amounted to US$178.7 million for January to July 2019, a 38.3 drop relative to the corresponding period last year.
STATIN noted, “The major commodity group that contributed to this decline were “Mineral Fuels, etcetera” and “Chemicals”. Imports of “Mineral Fuels, etcetera” was valued at US$33.7 million while “Chemicals” was valued at US$13.2 million. Imports of “Food”, however, increased by 6.0% and were valued at US$84.0 million.”
Total exports to CARICOM earned US$50.8 million in the current review period, an increase of 10.4% or US$46.0 million when compared to last year. Furthermore, domestic exports was valued at US$43.2 million, an uptick of 11.7% relative to the US$38.7 million booked in the 2018 period. “The major commodity group responsible for the increase was “Food”. Exports of “Food” were valued at US$19.8 million, an increase of 5.0% when compared to the US$18.8 million earned for the January to July 2018.”
Analyst Certification -The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the personal views of Mayberry Investments Limited Research Department about those issuer (s) or securities as at the date of this report. Each research analyst (s) also certify that no part of their compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendation (s) or view (s) expressed by that research analyst in this research report.
Company Disclosure -The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Mayberry may effect transactions or have positions in securities mentioned herein. In addition, employees of Mayberry may have positions and effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein.