2010.08.3108:45:00UTC+00Mauritius Q2 Trade Deficit Widens

Mauritius trade deficit widened in the second quarter from the previous year, a report by the Central Statistical Office showed on Tuesday.

The trade deficit totaled MUR 16.67 billion in the second quarter, widening from MUR 13.78 billion shortfall a year ago. In the first quarter, the trade deficit was MUR 14.65 billion.

The total exports increased 22.7% sequentially to MUR 17.304 billion in the second quarter from 14.16 billion in the first quarter. Compared to the previous year, exports climbed 17.6%.

Similarly, total imports increased 18.7% in the second quarter from the previous three months period and grew 19.2% over a year ago. Imports reached MUR 33.97 billion during the period.

For the first half of the year, total exports increased 8.6% compared to the same period of the previous year. At the same time, imports grew 16.5%.

The government agency expects the trade deficit would be MUR 67.0 billion for the year of 2010.

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