Peru trade surplus widens in June
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Growth in exports remained robust in June, coming in at 17.5% year-on-year following May’s strong 18.8% increase.
Growth came mainly on the back of soaring overseas sales of copper, zinc and natural gas, as well as of petroleum products.
Higher exports of fishery, metal-mechanical and textile products also contributed to the expansion.
Behind the positive result was an increase in the price of Peru’s exports, while volumes remained virtually unchanged.
Meanwhile, imports rose 9.8% annually in June, on higher purchases of fuels, and raw materials for the agriculture and industrial sectors. The figure for imports in June was well below May’s 15.3% growth.
In the 12 months leading up to June, the trade surplus was $7.9 billion, above May’s $7.6 billion and the highest reading since June 2012.
Panelists participating in the LatinFocus Consensus Forecast see exports growing 5.7% in 2018 and the trade balance recording a surplus of $4.3 billion. For 2019, the panel sees overseas forecasts expanding 5.1% and a trade surplus of $4.1 billion. ■