Agriculture exports rose to $3.63 billion in the first 11 months of 2007, up 14 percent from $3.191 billion year-on-year on increased volume and better prices.

Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat said export value of desiccated coconut climbed 14 percent to $1.46 million from $128 million in 2006 despite a 4 percent contraction in volume.

The US remained the top export markets for desiccated coconut, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, Korea, France and Germany.

Exports of refined coconut oil climbed 6 percent to $172.18 million from $162.47 million last year. Top export markets for refined coconut are the United States, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan. New markets include the United Kingdom and Italy.

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