Substantial rise in goods exports

After correction for working day effects, the volume of goods exports was 9 percent higher in March this year than in March 2005. The volume growth rate of exports was thus higher than in the first two months of 2006, and higher than the average for 2005.

The volume of goods imports was 11 percent higher in March than twelve months previously. Here, too, the volume increase was larger than in the first two months of 2006 and significantly higher than the average for 2005.

Prices of imports and exports were 5 percent higher in March than one year previously. In January prices were as much as 8 percent higher, in February the increase was smaller. Price increases rose from the second half of 2005 up to January 2006.

The value of exports was 18 percent higher in March than in the same month last year, at 28.5 billion euro. The value of imports was also 18 percent up on last year, at 24.8 billion euro. The values of both imports and exports were the highest ever measured in one month. The trade surplus was 3.7 billion euro. March had one working day more this year than last year; the change in value was not corrected for the effect of this.

Just as in preceding months, the value of foreign trade with non-EU countries rose by more than that of trade with EU countries.

Export of goods (volume)