Peru's trade balance registered a US$398 million surplus in April 2018, narrowing from March's result; however, it denoted a substantial increase from the US$154 million-surplus recorded in the same month last year, the latest FocusEconomics' LatinFocus Consensus Forecast report recalled.
According to FocusEconomics, growth came mainly on the back of soaring overseas sales of
copper,
zinc and natural gas, as well as of non-metallic minerals, plus iron and steel products.
Meanwhile,
imports rose 16.0% annually in the fourth month, on higher purchases of raw materials for industry and transport equipment, above March's 10.6% expansion.
In the 12 months leading up to April,
trade surplus stood at US$7.1 billion, above March's US$6.8 billion, and the highest reading since July 2012.
"Panelists participating in the LatinFocus Consensus Forecast (report) see
exports growing 9.1% in 2018, and the trade balance recording a surplus of US$7.6 billion," FocusEconomics projected.
"For 2019, the panel sees overseas sales expanding 6.2% and also forecasts a trade surplus of US$7.8 billion," it added.
(END) NDP/JAA/MVB
Published: 6/20/2018