110.4 billion during the same 2017 period, a media release issued by Asia Siyaka stated. It is relevant that these earnings came from a reduced quantity of 137.5 million kg compared with 138.6 million kg during the same period 2017. The effective approximate FOB value per kg therefore is $5.30 per kg and is the highest ever achieved and compares favourably with 2017 H1 figure of $5.25. Exports to China continue to grow with the highest ever 5.3 million kg shipped to this market in H1 2018 compared with 4 million a year ago. A slight improvement of the situation in Syria has enabled exports to rise 55 per cent from 3.4 to 5.3 million kg this year.

Source: Sunday Times July 25, 2018 12:00 UTC