Value of exports for the first two months of 1997 grew by 16.2 percent to $3.503 billion, an increase of $488.56 million from $3.014 billion during the same period a year ago.

Receipts from merchandise exports for February 1997 alone reached $1.811 billion, surpassing the $1.594 billion mark last year by $216.74 million or 13.6 percent.

Aggregate export receipts moved up to $20.531 billion in 1996 increasing by 17.7 percent from $17.45 billion in 1995.

Value of merchandise exports for December 1996 grew by 15.5 percent to $1.87 billion from $1.62 billion during the same month in 1995. Compared to November, a 1.2 percent increase valued at $1.85 billion was likewise noted.

Revenue from merchandise exports for November 1996 increased by 29.8 percent or by $423.48 million to $1.846 billion from $1.423 billion during the same month in 1995. This is the highest year- on-year growth so far for exports in 1996. Compared to last month, however, a 2.0 percent seasonal drop from the October value placed at $1.884 billion was noted.

Cumulative receipts for the first eleven months amounted to $18.656 billion, up by 17.9 percent from $15.826 billion last year.