Decline in exports somewhat larger

The volume of goods exports was 8 percent lower in August 2009 than twelve months previously. This is a slightly larger decrease than in July, but still much smaller than in the months before. The volume of goods imports fell by nearly 13 percent in August. This decrease, too, is larger than in July. Volume figures have been corrected for the number of working days.

According to the Exports Radar for October 2009, the circumstances for Dutch exports have not improved further. In the five preceding months, circumstances had improved continually.

In August, the value of exported goods totalled 23.6 billion euro, 18 percent less than one year previously. The value of imports plunged by 21 percent to 21.4 billion euro.The trade surplus amounted to 2.1 billion euro, 0.4 billion euro more than in August 2008.

The value of imports and exports of mineral fuels in particular decreased sharply, but exports of food and drinks fell by less. Exports to EU countries decreased by far more than exports to non-EU countries. On the other hand, imports from non-EU countries fell by slightly more than imports from EU countries.

Partly as a result of plummeting petroleum and natural gas prices, import and export prices dropped by 9.5 percent and 11.4 percent respectively in August compared with one year previously. The price decrease is smaller than in July. The terms of trade of foreign goods were down compared with August 2008.

Goods exports (volume)

More figures can be found on the theme page International trade.