Earnings from exports increased by 27.6 per cent to US dollars 802 million in October. This is the third highest monthly export value ever recorded stated the Central Bank yesterday (22) issuing 'External Sector Performance – October 2010' report.

Higher export earnings from the textile and garments, and minor agricultural crops helped this increase. Cumulative earnings from exports during the first ten months of 2010 increased by 13.2 per cent, year-on year, to US dollars 6,505 million, the Bank further said.

Expenditure on imports increased by 8.4 per cent to US dollars 1,131 million in October, 2010 mainly due to substantial increases in imports of non food consumer goods. Cumulative expenditure on imports during the first ten months of 2010 increased by 32.8 per cent, year-on year, to US dollars 10,863 million, the Bank said.

As a result, the trade deficit expanded to US dollars 4,357 million during this period compared to US dollars 2,431 million in the corresponding period of 2009.

The largest contribution to the growth in exports in October, 2010 was from the industrial sector, led by significant increases in earnings from textile and garments, rubber products and machinery and equipment. Earnings from garment exports to the EU and USA increased by 27.4 per cent and 33.1 per cent, respectively, in October.

Although, earning from diamonds and jewellery exports declined by 10.0 per cent, growth in earning from all other sub categories of industrial exports exceeded 26 per cent in October. Earnings from agricultural exports, which have taken on an increasing trend since April 2010, improved further in October mainly reflecting higher prices. The average export prices of tea and rubber continued to remain high at US dollars 4.43 per kg and US dollars 3.81 per kg, respectively, in October. Earnings from minor agricultural exports increased by 35.9 per cent to US dollars 34 million in October led by higher earnings from cinnamon and pepper.

Expenditure on imports of consumer goods rose in October, 2010 due to higher imports of non-food consumer goods, led by motor vehicles.

During the first ten months of 2010, workers’ remittances increased by 21.9 per cent to US dollars 3,380 million (after adjusting for revisions by commercial banks) over that of the corresponding period of 2009. The gross official reserves continued to remain significantly above the targeted level and stood at US dollars 6.6 billion by end November, 2010 without Asian Clearing Union (ACU) funds. Based on the previous 12 months average expenditure on imports of US dollars 1,084 million per month, the gross official reserves, without ACU funds, were equivalent to 6.1 months of imports.