The economy continued to show third-quarter growth, which was evidenced mainly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica's (PIOJ) latest assessment.

"The overall assessment of the economy showed positive improvement during the quarter April to June," said Dr. Wesley Hughes, director general of the PIOJ the overall growth in the economy was only 1.8 per cent of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), agricultural production peaked at three per cent, construction and installation rose 3.6 per cent and manufacturing increased 1.2 per cent when compared with the same period last year.

Domestic crop production and production for export grew 2.2 per cent and 26.2 per cent respectively over the period. Sugar cane production recorded a 29.1 per cent increase, while that for coffee and cocoa jumped a significant 166.6 per cent and 108.2 per cent respectively. The livestock sub-sector was also up 1.4 per cent.

Favourable weather

"Favourable weather conditions and increased productivity continue to impact positively on the performance of the agricultural sector - indicated by increases in domestic crop production and export crop production, which grew by 2.2 per cent and 26.2 per cent respectively," reported Hughes at a press briefing held at the PIOJ's New Kingston office on Wednesday.

The economy saw growth in all areas except for Tourism and Mining, which declined 3.2 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively during the quarter.

"The manufacturing sector has made a good 'come-back', recording growth for the first time since the last six quarters of 1.2 per cent,"revealed Hughes.

The growth in the sector was attributed to increases in food, beverages and tobacco production, which was up 1.4 per cent. Condensed milk and dairy production rose by 30.3 per cent. Other manufacturing also performed well with an increase of 1.0 per cent.

The services sector continued to experience positive growth of 1.7 per cent with the main areas of increase being electricity and water, which grew by 3.9 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively. Transport, storage and communications recorded growth of 2.2 per cent, resulting from an increase in activities at Jamaica's seaports.

2.8 per cent growth

The distributive trade sector also grew by 2.8 per cent as a result of increased loans and advances to the sector, higher levels of remittances and an increase in the demand for imported manufactured products.

These positive trends, however, were not reflected in the tourist sector, which saw total tourist arrivals falling by 3.2 per cent, reflecting a 4.7 per cent decline in stopover arrivals. Cruise ship visitor arrivals also fell by 0.8 per cent.