Exports higher in May

After adjustment for working day effects, May’s volume of goods exports was 6 percent up on May 2005. In the first five months of 2006, exports were 8 percent higher than in the same period last year.

The working day adjusted volume of imported goods was 11 percent higher in May than twelve months ago. Imports over the first five months of this year were 10 percent higher than one year previously.

The value of exports in May 2006 was 26.3 billion euro, an 18 percent increase on the same month last year. The value of imports stood at 24.0 billion euro, an increase by 24 percent on May last year. Trade surplus was 2.2 billion euro. Import and export prices were approximately 6 percent higher than a year previously. May had two extra working days compared to May 2005. The effect of the extra working days on the value growth of imports and exports is estimated to be well over 5 percentage points.

Trade with EU countries increased more than trade with non-EU countries. Imports from Germany in particular were substantially higher than in May 2005.

The value of imports and exports of raw materials, mineral fuels and manufactured products was considerably higher in May 2006 than in May last year.

Export of goods (volume)