Imports from America recorded the largest drop by $4.22 million to $5.15 million which further reflects the reduction of meat and edible meat (chicken leg) imports for July this year.

However, New Zealand became the leading export market in July 2021, accounting for 39.1 per cent of total merchandise exports value.

The figure was revealed in a recent report titled: “Overseas Merchandise Trade” for the month of July issued by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics. 

Samoa recorded a trade deficit of $58.86 million in July 2021 with exports declining by 27.4 per cent or $1.63 million.

According to the report, the total value of merchandise imports decreased 3 per cent or $1.93 million to $63.21 million in July 2021. 

“The total value of merchandise imports ($63.21 million) exceeded that of exports ($4.34 million), resulting in a trade deficit of $58.86 million in July 2021,” reads the report.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that the fall in imports was mainly led by: meat and edible meat offal (down $2.53 million); mineral fuels, mineral oils and products (down $2.42 million); sugar (down $1.46 million); and soaps and polishes (down $1.24 million).

“America region recorded the largest decrease (down $4.22 million) to $5.15 million, reflecting the reduction of meat and edible meat (chicken leg) imports in July 2021.”

However, the total value of merchandise exports declined by 27.4 per cent or $1.63 million to $4.34 million in June 2021.

The monthly decrease was due to reduction of: vegetable products (down $0.25 million); fats and oils (down $0.54 million); mineral fuels, mineral oils and products (down $0.23 million); fruits and nuts (down $0.13 million).

In addition, exports to Australia were down by $0.16 million and American Samoa down by $0.42 million, recording the largest decreases in July mainly reflecting the reduction of fish, taro and cocoa bean exports to mention a few due to the limitation of shipment for the reviewed month.

According to the Bureau, the main source of imports and exports data comes from the administrative document; a completed customs form (Single Administrative data-SAD) which is required to be filled in by importers and exporters or customs agents when clearing merchandise inward and outward through the Ministry for Customs and Revenue (Custom Department).