Vanuatu’s export earnings for the first quarter of 2017 decreased by VT 375 million compared to the same period last year.
The decrease was attributed to decreases in exports for copra, coconut oil and cocoa over March quarter of 2016.
There was an increase though in beef exports for the period in review.
Beed exports increased by 32% or 35 tonnes in March quarter 2017 from 109 tonnes in March quarter 2016.
Vanuatu’s trade deficit stood at VT 7,059 million in March quarter 2017.
The trade deficit deteriorated by VT 1,566 million compared to March quarter 2016, according to the latest March quarterly statistics released by Vanuatu National Statistics Office last Friday.
The deterioration in the trade deficit is reflected by the decrease in total imports by VT 1,931 million in the March quarter of 2017.
Photo file: Vanuatu cocoa for exports