19/04/2011 (Solomon Star) - Exports jumped to $213.4 million from $116.6 million in the month of February.

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands in its monthly economic bulletin for that month said the positive outcome emerged as companies resumed full production after the sluggish performance in January.

“This stemmed from strong growth in some of the major export commodities.

“Round logs increased to $121.4 million from $69.0 million due to higher production amidst the continued rise in global log prices.

“Palm oil and kernels went up to $38.0 million from $0.8 million due to shipment lags,” the report said.

Timber surged to $11.8 million from $1.4 million due to the increase in export consignments.

Cocoa rose by 52.1% to $6.7 million on the back of a 5.9% rise in contract export prices to £1,714/MT.

Minerals increased to $2.3 million from $0.9 million.

Otherexports rose’ by 26.6% to $2.9 million and re-exports increased by 53.5% to $1.1 million.

However, copra and coconut oil exports declined during the month by 26.3% to $19.1 million due to lower production.

Fish also dropped by 10.6% to an estimated $9.6 million on the back of poor catch conditions.