Sri Lanka exports fall 5.0-pct in November

Jan 20, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's exports fell 5.0 percent in December from a year earlier, with industrial exports falling 12.2 percent, though agricultural exports were up 23.7 percent, the Central Bank said.

During the 11 months to November exports were down 14.7 percent to 6,361.1 million US dollars, imports were down 31.

9 percent to 8,829.6 million US dollars and the trade deficit was down 55.

1 percent to 2,468.5 million US dollars.

In November 2008, industrial exports rose 11.

6 percent from a year earlier but agricultural exports had already started to collapse with a global economic slump.

In November 2009, tea exports were up 23.7 percent to 155.8 million US dollars. Apparel exports fell 8.1 percent to 450 million dollars.

December imports were down 11.6 percent to 864.2 million US dollars with consumer goods up 1.

9 percent to 178.7 million US dollars.

Investment goods imports was down 9.

6 percent to 180.7 million US dollars with transport equipment up 12.

6 percent to 28.6 million US dollars, but building materials were down 37 percent.

Intermediate goods were down 15.8 percent to 497.8 with textiles and clothing down 3.

1 percent to 139.3 million US dollars and petroleum flat at