Higher growth for exports

In April 2008 the volume of goods exports was nearly 8 percent larger than one year previously. This corresponds with the average growth in the first quarter of 2008. The growth rate for the volume of imports was almost 4 percent larger in April than one year previously. The volume numbers have been corrected for the number of working days. April 2008 had two working days more than April 2007.

Import and export prices have been rising gradually since September 2007, partly as result of soaring prices for petroleum and petroleum products. In April import as well as export prices were 5 percent up on April 2007.

The value of exports was 31.4 billion euro, 19 percent up on April last year. The value of imports grew by 15 percent to 28.0 billion euro, resulting in a trade surplus of 3.4 billion euro. This is 1.4 billion euro up on April 2007.

The value of imports and exports of food products and mineral fuels in particular grew substantially. The value of imports of chemical products also increased. The value of goods exported to EU countries increased by slightly more than that to non-EU countries.

Changes in the value and volume of imports and exports as published in this article have been adjusted for the effects of a trend break in value figures.

Goods exports (volume)