Slight Increase in Inflation; Exports Rebound

The Statistical Institute of Belize has released new figures for the month of June, recording a slight increased of point six percent on the All-items Consumer Price Index.  Goods and services commonly purchased were marginally higher than they were in June 2016.  Owing to the overall increase in consumer prices was the transport index which rose by an average of six point seven percent.  The cost of international airfares and national bus fares contributed greatly, as well as higher motor car purchase prices.  Dangriga, of all municipalities, experienced the highest increase in consumer prices for June, with an inflation rate of three point one percent.  Orange Walk, on the other hand, had the lowest inflation rate of negative one point two percent.  Figures for the External Trade Bulletin indicate that imports were down by almost five percent, while exports were up by five point two percent in June.  The total imports stood at one hundred and fifty-four million point seven dollars.  Exports for June were valued at thirty-eight point seven million dollars, up by one point nine million dollars when compared to the same period last year.