Clothing exports fall 10.8pc in quarter
DOMESTIC exports of clothing dropped 10.8 per cent in value terms in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period last year.
According to government figures released yesterday, overall domestic exports in the quarter was broadly unchanged, while re-exports surged 26.1 per cent.
In March, domestic exports increased 1.9 per cent in volume terms over March last year, while re-exports swelled 24 per cent.
In volume terms, clothing exports were down 13.1 per cent, while textile fabrics rose 16.4 per cent and made-up textiles dropped 20.1 per cent.
Biggest falls were registered by travel goods and handbags - 33.5 per cent - and footwear, 45.3 per cent.
Exports of electronic components rose 29.4 per cent and metal ores and scrap improved 17.8 per cent.
In imports, all categories were up in volume terms. In value terms, foodstuffs, consumer goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures all dipped slightly.
According to the Government, notable increases were posted by construction machinery, scientific and measuring instruments, and transport equipment.
Capital goods - many en route to China - led the upsurge, with imports climbing 30.8 per cent.
Next were fuels, which rose 27.6 per cent, consumer goods 17.7 per cent and raw materials and semi-manufactures 17.4 per cent.
Capital goods also led in re-exports with a gain of 51.2 per cent. Fuels were close behind on a 43.1 per cent increase.
On a more modest level, re-exports of foodstuffs grew just 3.8 per cent.
