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The changes in the value, unit value and volume of imports by end-use category are shown in Table 3.

The import volume of foodstuffs increased by 7.7% in October 1996 compared with October 1995.

Significant increases in import volume were noted of rice; and fruit. However, decreases were recorded in the import volume of tea and coffee; and animals of the bovine species, live.

Over the same period of comparison, the import volume of consumer goods increased by 2.1%.

Increases in import volume were noted of cameras, flashlight apparatus and supplies for photography; and watches. However, decreases in import volume were recorded for passenger motor cars; and tobacco manufactures.

The import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures increased by 8% in October 1996 compared with October 1995.

Increases in import volume were recorded for most commodities in the end-use category of raw materials and semi-manufactures. Significant increases in import volume were noted of woven fabrics of wool and mixtures; and base metals other than iron and steel. However, decreases were noted of raw cotton; and plastic materials.

Imports of fuels increased by 5.5% in volume in October 1996 compared with October 1995.

As regards capital goods, the volume of imports increased by 17% in October 1996 over October 1995.

Notable increases were recorded in the import volume of office machinery; and transport equipment. The import volume of construction machinery however decreased.

Comparing October 1996 with October 1995, import prices of fuels and consumer goods increased by 26% and 1.8% respectively.

On the other hand, import prices of raw materials and semi-manufactures; capital goods; and foodstuffs decreased by 6.6%, 3.4% and 0.2% respectively.