[070913.EN.SEA] Latin American Exports Rise Worldwide, But Not To Sub-Saharan Africa

THE volume of containerised exports from South and Central America to North America in May climbed to its highest level since October 2011, according to data from Container Trades Statistics.

Central American exports to North America increased 8.4 per cent year on year and 3.5 per cent month to month to 146,800 TEU in May 2013. This was the second straight year-on-year increase, following eight months of declines.

Latin American exports increased in almost all trade lanes, with the exception of a large decline to sub-Saharan Africa.

South and Central America exported 116,500 TEU to Far East Asia in May 2013, up 8.4 per cent from the volume in May 2012. This is only the third increase in this lane in 12 months. Exports also rose 4.3 per cent month-to-month, from 111,700 TEU in April.

 Exports from South and Central America to Australasia/Oceania went up 4.2 per cent to 2,500 TEU from 2,400 in May 2012. Exports were unchanged from April 2013. South and Central American exports to Europe experienced the smallest percentage increase for a second straight month in May, rising one per cent from the previous year to 139,300 TEU. The volume of exports dropped 3.7 per cent month-to-month.

Containerised trade from South and Central America to the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East climbed to 25,600 TEU in May 2013, up 13.3 per cent compared to May 2012, but down 6.2 per cent from the 27,300 TEU exported in April 2013.

Exports to sub-Saharan Africa plunged 19.6 per cent in May, to 19,300 TEU. Nine of the past 12 months have seen double-digit year-on-year decreases. Volume was also down 3.5 per cent month to month from April.

Source : SN-TR, 09.08.13.