Robust growth exports continues

After correction for the number of shopping days, the volume of exports of goods in September was 9 percent up on one year previously. In July and August, the volume of exports increased 10 percent. The growth rate of exports in the third quarter was distinctly higher than over the first six months of 2007. The volume of imports rose by more than 6 percent in September. The growth of imports in the third quarter was marginally higher than in the first half of this year.

Import and export prices were respectively 2 and 1 percent up on September 2006, mainly as a result of higher prices for petroleum and petroleum-related products. In August, import and export prices were slightly lower for the first time in more than three years.

The trade surplus was 4.0 billion euro, i.e. 0.7 billion euro more than one year ago. The value of exports of goods was 29.5 billion euro, a 7 percent increase on September 2006. The growth rates of exports to EU and non-EU countries were almost equal. The value of imports rose by 5 percent to 25.5 billion euro. The value of goods imported from EU and non-EU countries increased by 9 and 1 percent respectively.

In September, there was a notable increase in Dutch exports of food, chemical products and mineral fuels. Imports of chemical products grew substantially.

More information on import and export prices can be found in the article Deflators for international trade, published on 31 August 2007.

The figures on September 2007 published in this update have been adjusted from those published on 15 November. The revision is based on new and more detailed information.

 Goods exports (volume)