Proportionally, export growth outstripped imports in the period January to August, but nominally, Jamaica's trade with other countries remained skewed towards purchase of foreign goods.

The value of goods sold to foreign countries grew 32.4 per cent to US$3.76 billion, compared to a 20.1 per cent hike for imports.

However, the value of foreign goods the latter at US$1.34 billion was twice that of exports.

The trade deficit rose 14.3 per cent to US$2.43 billion, some US$303.5 million above the comparable period for 2005.

Imports were topped by minerals/fuels on which Jamaica spent US$1.24 billion during the first eight months of the year.

"This was the most significant contributor to the increase in imports," said the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) in a release announcing the newest external trade figures.

Energy officials project the oil bill will reach US$1.5 billion at the end of December.

Domestic exports grew by 32.6 per cent to earn US$1.32 billion.

"Earnings from traditional domestic exports stood at US$916.9 million, 14.4 per cent above the comparable period of 2005," Statin said. Non-traditional domestic exports grew by US$208.9 million to US$399.4 million.