A loss of $269.5m was recorded for the international merchandise trade in April compared to $279.4m in March.

The Fiji Bureau of Statistics reports total imports increased by $34.3m and total exports decreased by $26.4m.

The trade deficit recorded in April amounted to $269.5m compared to $279.4m in March.

Some of the major contributors to our imports are mineral products, machinery, mechanical and electrical appliances as well as vehicles.

The Bureau of Stats also noted that Fiji’s major sources of imports were from Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.

Fiji’s major contributors to domestic exports were prepared foodstuffs, pearls and textiles while our major export destinations were to the US, Australia and New Zealand.