June 24, 2020
During the period January to March 2020, Jamaica’s imports amounted US$1,329.4 million decreasing by 19.0% relative to US$1,641.5 million for the corresponding period in 2019 based on data released by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). Revenue from total exports totalled US$346.7 million for the period under review, a decline of 22.3% when compared to the US$445.9 million earned in the similar period in 2019.
STATIN highlighted, “expenditure on imports from the United States of America (USA) – Jamaica’s main trading partner were valued at US$510.8 million. This is 35.0 per cent below the US$785.8 million recorded for the period January to March 2019. Earnings from total exports to the USA amounted to US$178.8 million, an increase of 11.1 per cent when compared to the US$160.9 million earned in 2019.”
Traditional Domestic Exports
Traditional Domestic Exports for the review period were valued at US$142.5 million, approximately of 47.6% below last year’s US$271.9 million. STATIN noted, “Traditional domestic exports accounted for 42.5% of total domestic exports earnings.”
Non–Traditional Domestic Exports
Notably, Non-Traditional Domestic Exports over the period January to March 2020 earned US$192.8 million, a 23.7% increase. Notably, this increase was attributable to increases in “Beverages & Tobacco” (Excl. Rum)” by 21.3% and “Other” Non-Traditional Domestic exports by 41.9%.
CARICOM Trade
The imports from CARICOM amounted to US $69.8 million for January to March 2020, a 17.6% drop relative to US$84.8 million reported the corresponding period last year. The major commodity group that contributed to this decline was imports of “Mineral Fuel, etcetera.” “Mineral Fuels, etcetera” were valued at US$6.7 million relative to US$24.2 million in the comparable period.
Total exports to CARICOM earned US$21.8 million in the current review period, an increase of 4.0% from the US$20.9 million earned last year. Re-exports for January to March 2020 were valued at US$3.4 million. Furthermore, domestic exports were valued at US$18.4 million, an increase of 4.9% relative to the US$17.5 million booked in the 2019 period. However, this was mainly attributable to exports of “Mineral Fuel, etcetera” which amounted to US$2.7 million compared to US$0.5 million earned for January to March 2019.
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.
June 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.
