come cateqories (see statistical annex). These trends in ICORs reflect majcr declines in the utilization of capacity resultinq in most cases from failure to obtain imported inputs and spare parts as well as from planninq and manaqement inefficiencies. 21. The structural behaviour of the exterrBl sectcr underscores the emerqence of serious balance-of-payments problems. On the export side, the elasticity of exports to GDP dropped to about 0.4 durinq the last few years compared with a ratio of·l.l in the 1960s. At the same time the elasticity of imports with respect 23 E/ECA/Ct-1.9/5 to GDP, already ab~yft one, started to rise sharply in the major oil exporters a r.d te~npora rily in the rwn-oil exporters. It is no surprise that the,::·.majcr cil exporters started havinq payments problems in recent years. Ha.-Jever in the non-oil-exporting countries the weak arowth cf experts forced a reduced tempo of import arowth. 'l'hus import elasticity with respect to GDP fell drastically from about 1.03 in the 1970s to only 0.66 and 0.82 in 1980 and 1981 respectively. For further details see annex 3. D. Estimates fer 1982 22. Although it is 6ifficult to draw an exact picture of the evolution of Africa's economic situation, v1hen not all the relevant data are available, it is clear that 1982 was not an easy year for the region frorn the economic and financial pcint of view. 23. There was a marked deterioration in the oil sector. Its production fell by a~out 9 per cent in 1982. The conBtruction activities were also at lower level than in previous year. Manufacturing stagnated while agriculture grew by 2 per cent. 24. Africa's aggregate GDP is estimated to have fallen by 0.3 per cent in 1982 compared with fall of 3 per cent in 1981 accord­ ing to preliminary data by the ECA secretariat. Details are 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses economic trends and issues in Africa, specifically the decline in industrial production, balance-of-payments problems, and GDP growth. It also touches on the oil sector, manufacturing, and agriculture. The language used is technical and statistical, suggesting a focus on economic data and analysis.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade