January 5, 2011

The Jamaican economy grew by 0.6 per cent for the third quarter ending September 2011 when compared to the similar quarter in 2010. This growth was largely driven by the Goods Producing industries which grew by 2.4 per cent. The Services industries remained relatively unchanged.

All industries within the Goods Producing industries recorded higher output levels; Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing (2.9 per cent), Mining & Quarrying (7.7 per cent), Manufacture (1.8 per cent) and Construction (1.1 per cent). Within the Services industries improved performances were recorded in Electricity & Water Supply (1.1 per cent), Wholesale & Retail Trade, Repairs & Installation of Machinery (0.1 per cent), Producers of Government Services (0.5 per cent), Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities (0.6 per cent). This was offset by declines in Transport Storage & Communication (2.1 per cent), Finance & Insurance Services (0.4 per cent), Hotels & Restaurants (0.5 per cent) and Other Services (1.3 per cent).

When compared to the second quarter in 2011 the economy recorded a growth of 0.8 per cent. This was influenced largely by a 2.5 per cent growth in the Goods Producing industries as most industries within this group recorded increases. Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing (4.4 per cent), Mining & Quarrying (1.3 per cent), Manufacture (3.6 per cent) while, Construction remained relatively unchanged.

The Services industries however, recorded marginal growth of 0.2 per cent. Within the Services industries all industries recorded declines except Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities up 0.4 per cent, Electricity & Water Supply 0.5 per cent and Producers of Government Services 6.1 per cent.

The Quarterly Gross Domestic Product Third Quarter 2010 further outlines additional information and may be obtained from the Distribution Office of the Statistical Institute of Jamaica 7 Cecelio Avenue, Kingston 10.