Good start for exports in 2010

The volume of goods exports was nearly 11 percent larger in January than twelve months previously. In December, the volume of exports was only 2 percent up. It should be taken into account that the substantial downturn in exports started in November 2008, though. In the first six months of 2009, the volume of exports dropped by a dramatic 11 to 15 percent. After that, the decrease became smaller and smaller. December 2009 was the first month to show an increase on one year previously.

The volume of goods imports grew by nearly 10 percent in January. This is the first increase since December 2008. Volume figures have been corrected for the number of working days.

According to the Exports Radar for March 2010, conditions for Dutch exports have improved compared with the previous month. Since May 2009, the situation has picked up gradually after a long period of deterioration.

The value of exported goods totalled 26.9 billion euro, i.e. more than 7 percent up on one year previously. The value of imports grew by more than 11 percent to 24.8 billion euro. This resulted in a trade surplus of 2.0 billion euro, 0.6 billion euro less than in January 2009.

The import value of raw materials and mineral fuels and chemical products grew substantially. Exports of chemical products also increased considerably. Exports to non-EU countries increased by more than exports to EU countries. Import figures show a similar pattern.

Partly as a result of lower prices of natural gas, export prices were slightly lower than twelve months previously. Pushed up mainly by higher prices for petroleum and petroleum derivatives, import prices were 4 percent higher than one year previously. The terms of trade of foreign goods deteriorated considerably compared with January 2009.

Goods exports (volume)

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