DAVAO CITY (Romy Montenegro / 26 Jul) Buoyed by the favorable business climate and emergence of new markets for the island's export products, Mindanao pulled off a remarkable 10.97% growth in foreign trade during the first quarter of the year.
The Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) said the total foreign trade in Mindanao has reached $626 million, higher than the $564 million recorded during the same period last year.
The figures indicated that Mindanao's trade performance for the first three months is notably good as it enjoys a 10.06% or $219 million growth in its trade surplus, up from $199 million in the same period in 2005.
From January to March 2006, Mindanao's total exports posted a double-digit year-on-year growth with shipments surging 10.73% at $423 million from $382 million dollars a year earlier.
Meanwhile, total imports were valued at $203 million, 11.47% higher than the $182 million in the same quarter last year.
Fresh banana, the traditional export winner of Mindanao, maintained its lead in the top ten export product ranking as it accounts for 21.7% of the total export earnings valued at $91.8 million during the quarter.
The biggest shipment of fresh bananas came from Region XI. The banana-producing region was able to ship out 515,272 metric tons or 99% of the total fresh banana exports of Mindanao. Fresh banana exports from Mindanao pass through the Ports of Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, Dole Pier in Calumpang, General Santos City and TADECO Wharf in Panabo City.
Crude and refined coconut oil exports made the second highest contribution at 18.35%, followed by sintered iron ore agglomerates with 8.79%; preserved and fresh pineapples with 7.89%; and tuna with 4.45% share.
Other top Mindanao exports include fuel oil, flat-rolled iron, desiccated coconut, pineapple juice, mixtures of fruits and other parts of edible plants.
Japan remains the top export destination of Mindanao products, with a total of $93 million worth of exports received during the first quarter, about 22% of the total export value. Fresh bananas comprise the large bulk of these export commodities that went to Japan.
Next to Japan is United States which accounts for 15% share in the total Mindanao export earnings, mainly coming from coconut oil exports.
A new entrant to Mindanao's top ten list of export market is Turkey, which recently ranked 10th by importing a total of $9.45 million exports such as flat-rolled products of iron, fresh bananas and coconut from Mindanao.
For the past two years, Turkey is one of Mindanao's export destinations for commodities such as fresh bananas, desicated coconut, flour and fresh coconut.
In 2004, Mindanao's export to Turkey valued at US$354,803 and went 83% higher at US$650,135 in 2005.
In terms of regional performance, Region posted the highest export earnings at $188.59 million, followed by Region X at $151.07 million, Region XII at $52.57 million, and Caraga at $14.25 million dollars and ARMM at $92,400 dollars.
Mindanao imports increased by 11.47%, up from $182 million during the same period. Rice tops as the main import commodity, as it accounts for $34.86 million worth of imports or 17.16% of the total value of imports to Mindanao.
"The good showing of foreign trade in Mindanao at the beginning of the year strongly indicates a bullish economy ready to compete in a wider global trading arena. It is encouraging that we have achieved such growth needed to spur business and create jobs for Mindanawons," said Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, MEDCo chairman.
He added that strong trade uptrend will likely remain intact, with export industry leading the growth for the rest of the year.
1 comment:
Finally, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope for longer peace to boost the region.
Post a Comment