Dutch exports down 3 percent in November

In November 2003 the value of Dutch imports and exports of goods was lower than in November 2002. De exports were 3 percent below the November 2002 level, reaching a value of 19.4 billion euro. Imports were down by 1 percent land had a value of 17.3 billion euro, according to the latest preliminary figures by Statistics Netherlands. The trade surplus fell from 2.6 billion euro in November 2002 to 2.1 billion euro in November 2003. The lower import and export values are partly explained by lower prices. Furthermore, November 2003 had one working day less than November 2002.

Trade met EU countries

The Netherlands exported 14.9 billion euro worth to countries of the European Union in November 2003, 1 percent less than in November 2002. Over three quarters of total Dutch exports go to EU countries. Imports from these countries remained at 9.9 billion euro, about the same as the November 2002 level. The trade balance with EU countries saw a surplus of 5.0 billion euro in November 2003. Compared to November 2002 the surplus was down slightly.

Exports to the USA down

In November 2003 the Netherlands exported 4.5 billion euro worth of goods to countries outside the EU. This part of Dutch exports, which is very sensitive to fluctuations of the exchange rates, was 9 percent lower than in November 2002. Exports to the USA were down by 17 percent.

Dutch imports from non-EU countries amounted to 7.4 billion euro, 3 percent less than in November 2002. The trade deficit with non-EU countries increased from 2.6 billion euro in November 2002 to 2.9 billion euro in November 2003.

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