Decline in exports slows down

The volume of goods exports was more than 7 percent smaller in September 2009 than one year ago, as against nearly 8 percent in August. The volume of goods imports shrank by nearly 14 percent in September. Volume figures have been corrected for the number of working days.

According to the Exports Radar for November 2009, conditions for Dutch exports have improved. Since May, the situation has gradually changed for the better after a long period of deterioration.

In September, the value of exported goods totalled 27.3 billion euro, nearly 18 percent less than a year ago. The value of imports plunged by nearly 22 percent to 23.5 billion euro, resulting in a trade surplus of 3.8 billion euro, i.e. 0.7 billion euro up on September 2008.

The value of imports and exports of mineral fuels dropped sharply, the value of imports and exports of exports of food and drinks fell less dramatically. 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 prices dropped by 9.5 percent and export prices by more than 11 percent in September compared with one year previously. The terms of trade of foreign goods deteriorated relative to September 2008.

Goods exports (volume)

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