Magharebia

Algeria's balance of trade recorded a surplus of $6.51 billion in the first nine months of 2004, according to figures from the National Customs' Computer Technology and Statistics Centre. Exports totalled $19.6 billion, up 11.9 per cent compared to the same period last year, while imports climbed 32.7 per cent, reaching $13.08 billion. . They rose 11.47 per cent, due to soaring oil prices on the international market. (Le Matin, APS)