Overseas Merchandise Trade: April 2009

For the month of April 2009 compared with April 2008 unless otherwise stated:

• Merchandise exports were valued at $3.6 billion, down $176 million (4.6 percent).
• Crude oil led the exports decrease, down $204 million (61.3 percent).
• Merchandise imports were valued at $3.4 billion, down $745 million (18.1 percent).
• Almost two-thirds of the decrease in imports was due to large one-off capital items in April 2008.
• Imports of vehicles, parts, and accessories decreased $127 million (32.4 percent).
• The trade balance was a surplus of $276 million, or 7.5 percent of exports.