Chile Exports Weaken

The government announced that Chile’s trade surplus fell to $1.053 billion last month, 12% less than in the same period last year. Economists had expected a balance of $1.30 billion. Last month, Chile posted a $585 million surplus in February. Exports last month rose 20% year on year to $3.65 billion, and imports rose 39% to $2.6 billion. Economists say the data suggest continuing robust economic activity, with external demand, investment, and consumption all making a strong contribution to growth.