Higher energy earnings pushed OPEC member Algeria's trade surplus up 26.7 per cent to $15.8 billion in the first six months of 2012 from $12.5 billion in the same period a year ago, customs data showed. Exports were up 5.6 per cent to $38.8 billion from $36.8 billion in January-June 2011. Imports fell 5.2 per cent to $23.02 billion versus $24.3 billion in the first half of 2011, according to the figures. The value of oil and gas sales abroad, which accounted for 97.4 per cent of total exports, rose 6.02 per cent to $37.8 billion from $35.7 billion.