The importation of consumer goods during July 2004 increased by Lm5.6 million to Lm33.0 million when compared to the figure for July 2003.

On the other hand, imports of fuel and lubricants were down by Lm6.3 million.

In the month under review, total exports showed a decrease of Lm9.3 million to Lm69.1 million from Lm78.4 million last year.

Total imports for the period January-July increased by Lm31.4 million or 4.1 per cent to Lm789.4 million from Lm758.0 million for the same period of 2003.

Imports of industrial supplies decreased by Lm12.1 million to Lm376.2 million. On the other hand the importation of capital goods went up by Lm25.5 million to Lm155.0 million, representing an increase of 19.7 per cent.

Consumer goods imports were also up by Lm15.1 million from Lm176.2 million to Lm191.3 million. An increase of Lm2.9 million was registered in fuel and lubricants imports.

In the period under review, total exports dropped by Lm3.4 million or 0.6 per cent to Lm529.5 million from Lm532.9 million of the period January-July 2003.

The trade gap for July widened by Lm20.0 million when compared to the same month last year, with the overall trade gap for the first seven months of 2004 widening by Lm34.8 million to Lm259.9 million from Lm225.1 million of the same period of the previous year.