The total external trade of goods in Eastern Visayas amounting to USD 410.24 million in April 2024 indicates a 3.60 percent increase from the USD 395.97 million total trade in April 2023. This can be attributed to the 285.55 million imports in April 2024 which increased by 13.44 percent from 251.71 million in April 2023. Whereas value of exports in April 2024 was registered at USD 124.69 million, posting a decline of 13.57 percent from USD 144.26 million exports in April 2023.

Consequently, Balance of Trade in Goods (BoT-G) in April 2024 was recorded at USD -160.86 million, indicating a trade deficit which widened by 49.71 percent from USD -107.45 million BoT-G in the same month of 2023.

The total volume of goods exported by the region in April 2024 was 82.97 million kilograms with a total value of USD 124.69 million. Copper and articles thereof commodity group dominated the exports market with sales amounting to USD 110.75 million in April 2024. This accounted for 88.82 percent of the total value of exports during the month. Thailand was the main export market with USD 37.98 million worth of exports or 30.46 percent of the total value of exports in April 2024.

The total volume of goods imported by the region in April 2024 was 163.36 million kilograms valued at USD 285.55 million. Almost half of the total value of imports were the commodity group of ores, slag, and ash valued at USD 141.59 million (49.59%). The major import supplier was Indonesia which accounted for USD 137.20 million or 48.05 percent of the total value of imports of the region in April 2024.

SGD. WILMA A. PERANTE 
Regional Director