JAMAICA’S imports for January – April 2022 grew by 34.4 per cent in value when compared to the same period in 2021, according to figures from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin).

Imports for the period amounted to US$2.34 billion as the country’s spend on raw materials, fuel and lubricants, and consumer goods increased across the board.

Fuels and lubricants recorded the highest increase, rising by 48.1 per cent to US$705.1 million. With a value of US$717.4 million the raw materials subcategory had the lowest growth of 31.8 per cent.

Consumer goods moved from US$429.6 million in 2021 to US$592 million in the period under review, reflecting an increase of 37.8 per cent

For the period, Jamaica imported mainly from the United States, China, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ecuador, which accounted for 62.3 per cent of all imports or US$1.46 billion in value.

At the same time, Jamaica’s exports increased by 1.3 per cent over the US$504 million recorded for the period January – April 2021.

“The increase in exports was due primarily to a 52.9 per cent increase in the value of export of ‘Mineral Fuels’,” Statin outlined.

Additionally, exports from the manufacturing industry rose by 43.3 per cent.

Jamaica’s top five export partners were the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom. Exports to these countries amounted to US$424.2 million, an increase of 35.5 per cent.