External Merchandise Trade First quarter 2019

Total exports for the first quarter of 2019 amounted to Rs 19,360 million, 7.0% higher compared to the corresponding quarter of 2018 but 9.1 % lower as compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.

Total imports for the first quarter of 2019 amounted to Rs 46,279 million, higher by 18.2 % compared to corresponding quarter of 2018 but 15.8 % lower than the fourth quarter of 2018.

The trade deficit for the first quarter of 2019 works out to Rs 26,919 million, 27.8% higher than the deficit of Rs 21,060 million for the corresponding quarter of 2018. Compared to the previous quarter of 2018, the deficit was lower by 20.1 %.

Forecast 2019

Based on recent past trends, available trade data for the first three months of 2019 and information from various sources, total exports for 2019 are forecasted at around Rs 83,000 million and total imports (including one – off items such as aircraft, wind turbines and metro trains) at Rs 212,000 million, both are same as the previous forecast. The trade deficit for 2019 is forecasted at Rs 129,000 million, compared to Rs 112,068 million in 2018.