Imports rise

Press, 7 January 1987, Page 28

Imports rise

PA Wellington There was a strong rise in the value of import orders placed in October. The Department of Statistics’ restricted survey of private importers shows that orders other than mineral fuels placed during October were valued at 5363.7 M — the highest monthly level in 1986 and 8.9 per cent higher than the September figure of J334M. When seasonally adjusted, the October value for orders other than mineral fuels of 5364.7 M increased by 12.9 per cent over the September revised value of 5322.9 M.

Five commodity groups recorded increases when compared with the previous month. Significant increases were: chemicals (including manufactured fertilisers) up 31.7 per cent to 554 M; iron, steel, non-ferrous metals up 17.9 per cent to 330.3 M; and

transport equipment up 15.3 per cent to 5103.5 M. The October value for chemicals (including manufactured fertilisers) showed the first rise of this group since July. The value of transport equipment orders, at 5103.5 M, shows the' highest recorded level. Of the three commodity groups recording decreases in October the largest was that of food, beverages, tobacco and live animals, which was down 13.8 per cent on the previous month to 531.3 M. Orders for mineral fuels in October increased 63.6 per cent over the previous month, to reach 581.8 M. This is the second consecutive month that a significant increase has occurred for this group. However, for the three months ended October, the monthly average of 556.3 M was 50.7! per cent lower than the monthly average for the same period last year of 5U4.1M.