The Diario Libre reports that exports for the first half
\nof the year are up by 8% over 2002, going from US$1.79 billion to US$1.93
\nbillion, according to data from the Center for Exports and Investments (CEI-RD).<\/p>\n
The hard numbers illustrate a 7.74% increase over 2002, boosted by a 9.06%
\nincrease in exports from the free zones, to represent 76% of all total exports.<\/p>\n
National exports grew by nearly 4%, with an impressive jump for the mineral
\nsector, which shipped US$23 million more this year than last. Traditional
\nexports, led by sugar, coffee, cacao and tobacco, grew by 5.65%. The United
\nStates, Puerto Rico, Haiti and South Korea are the main markets, receiving 69%
\nof all exports and 96% of the exports from the duty-free zones.
\nThe dollar has continued to gain over the peso, with yesterday?s sales showing
\nthe dollar being quoted at RD$35.30, up from RD$32.70 two weeks ago. The visible
\nscarcity of last week was reaffirmed in yesterday?s market and there was
\ndifficulty in securing purchases for more that US$2,000 at a time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Diario Libre reports that exports for the first half of the year are up by 8% over 2002, going from US$1.79 billion to US$1.93 billion, according to data from the Center for Exports and Investments (CEI-RD). The hard numbers illustrate a 7.74% increase over 2002, boosted by a 9.06% increase in exports from the … <\/p>\n