Slight improvement in terms of trade

In April 2009, Dutch terms of trade of imported and exported goods improved slightly compared with April 2008. Prices of imported and exported goods were 10.7 and 10.0 percent down respectively on one year previously. In March, terms of trade had already improved marginally.

The decrease in import prices in April was partly caused by a slump in prices of petroleum and petroleum derivatives compared with one year previously. Lower export prices were mainly the result of lower prices for petroleum derivatives and natural gas.

More information on terms of trade can be found in the article “Changes in the terms of trade in goods”.

Changes in terms of trade