While production of bauxite actually grew in 1999 the sector s output was adversely affected by an explosion at the Grammercy Refinery in Louisiana a major outlet for the Jamaican industry. There was some concern that arrivals were levelling out in 1998 but 1999 figures have shown a return to the trend with arrivals from the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean increasing and other major markets declining. In the manufacturing sector, apparel manufacturing has become an important subsector, but competition from lower cost producers, notably Mexico, has resulted in a sharp decline in earnings. Australia Jamaica Relations Political Relations with Australia are very good. The two countries cooperate in many forums.
Cricket is an enduring link.
Jamaica maintains diplomatic relations with almost every nation in the world. It is a member of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, The Inter-American Development Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank. It is a signatory to the Lome IV Convention between the European Economic Community countries and the developing countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Trade and Investment Trade between Australia and Jamaica remains at a modest level with the balance heavily in Australia s favour. Australian investment in Jamaica is limited.