Above: the Port of Kingston

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica reported an increase of 1.08 percent in domestic exports in the first five months of 2012, according to data from the Jamaica Exporters Association.

JEA President Vitus Evans presented the figures at a media briefing in Kingston this week.

According to the numbers, Jamaica’s total domestic exports accounted for $692.7 million, up from $684.76 in the same period in 2011.

During the period, non-traditional exports rose by 7 percent to $319 million, with food exports jumping just under 7 percent to $60.3 million.

That was boosted by what Evans said were strong performances in non-traditional food exports such as papaya, which itself accounted for $2.36 million, a 193 percent increase over 2011.

Juice exports, excluding citrus, totaled $3.58 million.

Excepting manufacturing, all other traditional domestic exports reported decreased earnings, with the biggest fall in mining and quarrying.