A Call for More Involvement in the Drafting of the New SDP

Good news on the Government of Montserrat’s attempts to reduce the island’s foreign exchange expenditure.

According to data from the Department of Statistics the value of Merchandise Trade Imports fell for the first 7 months in 2022.

Imports for the period January to July 2022 declined by 39.86% or 58.88 million dollars when compared to the same period January to July 2021, which was recorded at 97.91 million dollars.

Of the 11 commodities under Merchandise Trade Imports, 9 contracted, during the reporting period when compared to the same period in 2021.

Machinery and Transport Equipment is the leading imported commodity for the comparative periods.

Meantime imports of Food & Live Animals contracted by 44.47%, while Beverages & Tobacco contracted by 38.28%, a boost to the government of Montserrat’s efforts to reduce food imports.

Crude Material, except fuel, contracted by 28.37% …Minerals, Fuels, Lubricants & Related Materials by 21.35%, Animal & vegetable Oils & Fats by 9.24% … Chemicals by 22.21% … Manufactured Goods by 42.72% … and Machinery & Transport Equipment 53.04%.