Overseas Merchandise Trade: April 2012

For April 2012 compared with April 2011:

• Exports were down $799 million (17 percent) to $3.9 billion, from a record high in April 2011.
• Milk powder, butter, and cheese recorded the largest decrease.
• Imports were up $3.7 million (0.1 percent) to $3.5 billion.
• Mechanical machinery and equipment recorded the largest increase for imports, with petroleum and products recording the largest decrease.
• There was a trade surplus of $355 million (9.1 percent of exports). 
• The trend in exports has been falling since the recorded high in November 2011.