Fed: Imports drop $88 mln to $10.63 bln

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Fed: Imports drop $88 mln to $10.63 bln

CANBERRA, Aug 18 AAP - Merchandise imports dropped $88 million to $10.63 billion inJuly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said today.

There was a $400 million fall in the import of machinery and transport equipment whichfell to $4.97 billion.

Imports of crude inedible materials increased 22 per cent to $169 million, while mineralfuels and lubricants dropped 23.3 per cent to $627 million.

Manufactured goods classified by material increased 11.1 per cent to $1.33 billion,while chemicals and related products increased five per cent to $1.21 billion.

Miscellaneous manufactured articles increased 17.1 per cent to $1.59 billion.

The figures are not adjusted to take into account seasonal influences.

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KEYWORD: IMPORTS