Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday: Exports rise 30%; Gas prices; Today's Weather; Clovis Toon; Breaking News and more

Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Thursday, November 23, 2023 Jamaica's export earnings up 30.6% Jamaica [earned a total of US$1,226.7 million]( from exports for the January to July period, an increase of 30.6 per cent above the US$939.1 million earned in the corresponding 2022 period. The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), is reporting that the increase in total exports was due primarily to a rise in the value of exports of “crude materials (excluding fuels)” and “mineral fuels”. The Institute said there were also increases in earnings from domestic exports and re-exports for January to July 2023. Imports from Jamaica’s top five trading partners up 2.7% Jamaica’s five main trading partners for January to July 2023 were the United States, China, Brazil, Japan and Colombia. Expenditure on imports from these countries [amounted to US$2,763.7 million]( an increase of 2.7 per cent when compared to the corresponding 2022 period according to STATIN. This increase was due largely to higher imports of mineral fuels from the USA. Gasoline, diesel down Motorists should see a decrease in prices when they fill up at the pumps as of today, Thursday, November 23. This is according to the [latest price listing]( released on Wednesday by Petrojam, the state-owned oil refinery. Advertisement Reggae Boyz to meet US in Nations League semis come March Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will [meet the United States]( in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League in Dallas, Texas on March 21, 2024. This is Jamaica's first entry in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League and the third time they will play in the prestigious Copa America. The Reggae Boyz booked their spot after defeating Canada in the Nations League quarterfinal Tuesday. Thursday’s football gossip Manchester United are preparing for another squad clearout in 2024, with more than 10 players set to leave across the winter and summer transfer windows. [(MEN)]( As many as 15 players could depart United, with England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, expected to be the first to leave next year. [(Star)]( Manchester City are working to persuade striker Erling Haaland, 23, to sign a new deal, but an agreement with the Norway international is not imminent. [(TeamTalk)]( TODAY'S WEATHER FORECAST Clear skies are anticipated across the island today, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. This morning is expected to be mainly sunny. The afternoon is expected to be partly cloudy. ICYMI: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING Body of teen recovered from Westmoreland river After three days of frantic searching, the body of a teen who met into difficulties while swimming at the Cabarita River in Big Bridge, Westmoreland [was found]( on Wednesday. WHO advises Chinese to take measures amid respiratory illness spike The World Health Organization on Wednesday urged people in China to "follow measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness" and asked authorities for more information about a reported [spike in cases among children](. 'The Crown' props to go under the hammer Props from the hit Netflix drama "The Crown", whose final season began last week, are to be [sold at auction in early 2024]( in London, auction house Bonhams said Wednesday. CLOVIS TOON TODAY IN HISTORY UN seats China On this day in 1971, the People’s Republic of China was seated in the United Nations Security Council. For more stories, visit our website at www.jamaicaobserver.com or [sign up for our e-paper](. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( Copyright © 2023 Jamaica Observer, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 40 - 42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue Kingston 5 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.