MANILA – Merchandise imports expanded by 9.6 percent to US$5.4 billion in March 2014 from US$5.0 billion in March 2013, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “The robust growth in total merchandise imports was mainly due to higher value of raw materials and intermediate goods, mineral fuels and lubricants, and consumer goods,” continue reading : Imports expand by 9.6% in March 2014