US Is Top Destination For Ecuador's Jan Exports

Dow Jones Newswires Friday March 28, 2:01 AM

QUITO -(Dow Jones)- In January, Ecuador sent 36% of its exports to the U.S., 22% to Europe and 21% to Andean Community Countries, the central bank said Thursday.

According to the bank, another 7% went to Asia, 1% to the Latin American Association of Integration, or Aladi, and the remainder to other countries.

In the first month of 2003, exports to the U.S. totaled $156.8 million; to Europe, $94.8 million; to the Andean Community, $90.4 million; to Asia, $28.9 million; and to Aladi, $5.4 million.

On the import side of the ledger, Ecuador imported $149.7 million, or 24%, from the U.S.; $122.6 million, or 20%, from Europe; $121.4 million, or 19%, from Aladi; $108.1 million, or 17%, from the Andean Community; and $91.2 million, or 15%, from Asia.

The Andean Community consists of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. Aladi is made up of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico.

Ecuadorean exports worldwide totaled $436.4 million in the first month of 2003, while imports totaled $620.9 million, according to the central bank.

-By Mercedes Alvaro, Dow Jones Newswires; 5939-9728-653; mercedes.alvaro@dowjones.com