Chile's GDP up 7.3% in Q4

Chile’s GDP up 7.3% in Q4

Chile's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) grew 7.3% in the final quarter of 2004, the Central Bank of Chile said. Strong domestic demand and high prices for copper exports contributed to 4th quarter GDP growth. Chile's economic growth, driven by exports of copper, wood pulp, wine, fresh fruit, salmon and fertilizer, is expected to range between 5.25% and 6.25% in 2005. The Central Bank also indicates that domestic demand, which measures consumer spending and business investment, rose 10.4% in the final quarter of 2004. In addition, exports surged 15.5%, while imports soared 24.8%.