This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Increase in manufactured exports
05/04/2006
Scottish manufactured exports estimates for the final quarter of 2005 were published today.
Commenting on the figures, Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson said:
"I am encouraged to see an increase in exports over the final quarter of 2005 - the second consecutive quarter of growth. I recognise, however, that the performance over the year is less positive.
"For this quarter, it is important to recognise the positive performance of both the chemicals (+7.8 per cent) and electronics (+2.5 per cent) sectors. These sectors together account for 44 per cent of total manufactured exports.
"Looking at the position over the past year, the total decline in manufactured exports continues to be heavily influenced by the performance of the electronics sector. This sector continues to be Scotland's main exporter, and despite the positive performance over the quarter there was a decline of 11.5 per cent over the year.
"This has had a considerable effect on the overall performance of our total manufactured exports. Outside the electronics sector, today's figures show an increase in export sales over the year of 3.5 per cent.
"The positive achievement by Scottish exporters over the quarter highlights that many Scottish companies are in a position to compete in the global economic environment. This latest data also suggests that exporters are experiencing positive trading conditions and I would hope that this recent growth continues on into 2006."
The Statistics Publication Notice Scottish Manufactured Exports Estimates for the Final Quarter of 2005 was issued today. Scottish manufactured export sales increased by 1.9 per cent in real terms in 2005 Q4, though for 2005 as a whole, there was a decline of 1.8 per cent.