Exports totaled US$28.725 billion during the first quarter of this year, representing a year-on-year increase of US$7.88 billion (37.8%), the

reported.

“The stronger momentum in export prices was driven mainly by traditional products (37.3%) and slightly reinforced by growth in shipment volumes of non-traditional goods (0.7%), primarily in the agricultural and fishing sectors, as a result of favorable supply conditions for their main products,” it explained.

The BCR noted that growth in non-traditional exports was driven mainly by the greater availability of giant squid biomass. This significantly boosted shipments of frozen and canned giant squid.

Higher exports of frozen fish fillets, fish roe, and scallops also contributed to the increase.

“Secondly, higher shipments of fresh fruits such as blueberries, avocados, and pomegranates, as well as an increase in sales volumes of cacao-based manufactured products, contributed to the growth,” it stated.