Imports up in July 2005

According to Statistics Netherlands latest international trade figures, 20.2 billion euro worth of goods were imported into the Netherlands in July 2005. This is 9 percent more than in the same month last year. Exports were 6 percent up on July 2004, at 22.2 billion euro. This resulted in a smaller balance of trade than twelve months previously: 2 billion euro. The value increases were caused mainly by higher import and export prices. July had one working day fewer in 2005 than in 2004.

Substantially more imports from non-EU countries

Imports from countries outside the European Union came to 9.2 billion euro in July 2005. This is 17 percent more than in the same month last year. Imports from China and the US in particular were high. More machinery and transport equipment was imported from both countries, while more chemical products were imported from the US. 11.0 billion euro worth of goods were imported from EU countries in July 2005, 4 percent more than twelve months previously.

Exports to non-EU countries were 8 percent higher than in July 2004. More goods were exported to the US and Russia in particular. Exports to countries within the EU were 5 percent up at 16.8 billion euro.

Higher imports and exports of raw materials and mineral fuels

Price increases were the main factor in the increases in imports and exports of raw materials and mineral fuels. Just as in previous months, import and export values of these goods were substantially higher in July 2005 than twelve months previously. Import values of chemical products also increased strongly in July 2005.

PDF contains complete press release.