North Sumatra's Exports To U.S. Grow

Medan, N Sumatra, Sept 10 (ANTARA) - North Sumatra recorded an increase in exports to the United States amid the global economic slowdown which hits that world`s largest economy. The growing exports to the United States was marked with a widening surplus in the province`s foreign trade, the regional office of the Central Statistic Agency (BPS) said on Monday. North Sumatra BPS chief Suharno said the province recorded a surplus of US$336.639 million in its trade with the United States in the first seven months of the year. North Sumatra`s exports were valued at US$516.85 million as against imports of US$180.21 million in the bilateral trade in the January-July period. A surplus was recorded almost from month to month so far this year, Suharno said, citing , in July alone surplus reached US$31.579 million with exports at US$73.07 million. The surplus thanked to relatively stable demand for the province`s export commodities mainly palm oil, rubber, shrimp and timber products, he said. Exports to Europe which is the hardest hit by the financial woes, also continue to creep up, he noted. He cited, trade with the Netherlands favored North Sumatra with a surplus of US$249.16 million in the seven month period with exports reaching US$257.18 million. North Sumatra economist Jhon Tafbu Ritonga said the province could still increase its exports as its export commodities are almost all essential goods including palm oil, rubber, tobacco, tea, coffee, and maritime products. The commodities are needed in time of crisis or not, therefore, the government should help in maintaining the sustainability of the exports, Jhon said.