International trade up in April

In April 2005 imports and exports of goods were appreciably higher than one year previously. According to provisional figures released by Statistics Netherlands, the value of exports was 23.0 billion euro, 12 percent higher than in April 2004; the value of imports was 20.0 billion euro, i.e. 10 percent up on April last year. The fact that April 2005 had one extra working day contributed to the trade increase. Import and export prices were also higher than in April 2004. This was partly caused by soaring oil prices, which rose by 46 percent.

Higher growth rates for trade with non-EU countries

In April 2005 the value of goods exported to countries outside the European Union (EU) amounted to 5.4 billion euro, 19 percent higher than in the same month one year previously. The value of imports from these countries was 8.6 billion euro, 13 percent up on April 2004.

The value of exports to EU countries totalled 17.6 billion, a 10 percent rise on April last year. Goods imported from EU member states were worth 11.3 billion euro, a rise by 8 percent compared to April 2004.

Mineral fuels contribute notably to trade increase

Soaring oil prices affected the value of international trade in April 2005 in an upward direction. Imports of raw materials and mineral fuels amounted to 3.4 billion euro and were 26 percent higher than in April 2004. Exports of raw materials and mineral fuels were 31 percent higher and worth 3.9 billion euro.

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