In the first quarter, private consumption advanced 4.94 percent year-on-year, following a 4.92 percent growth in the preceding quarter. Government spending rose by 2.93 percent, slowing from a 7.32 percent expansion in the December quarter. Gross fixed capital formation also grew by 5.57 percent, down from a 6.90 percent rise in the previous three months. Private non-profit expenditure expanded by 6.38 percent, as compared to a 8.32 percent growth in the preceding quarter. In contrast, exports fell by 3.88 percent, following a 6.44 percent decline in the fourth quarter. Imports also dropped by 4.24 percent, after registering a 8.05 percent contraction in the three months to December.