Considerable exports growth

In April, the volume of goods exports was more than 17 percent up on twelve months previously. As a result, the volume of exports has increased further in the first months of 2010. It should be taken into account that the substantial downturn in exports started in November 2008. In the first six months of 2009, the volume of exports dropped by a dramatic 11 to 15 percent. Subsequently, the decrease slowed down. December 2009 was the first month to show an increase relative to one year previously. The volume of exports in April is almost equal to April 2008.

The volume of goods imports grew by nearly 13 percent in March. The volume of imports is still clearly below the level of April 2008. Volume figures have been corrected for the number of working days.

According to the Exports Radar for June 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 30.2 billion euro, i.e. more than a quarter up on one year previously. The value of imports grew by nearly a quarter to 26.7 billion euro. This resulted in a trade surplus of 3.5 billion euro, 1.2 billion euro more than in April 2009.

The value of imports and exports of raw materials,  mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment grew substantially. Exports of chemical products also increased considerably. Imports of food and beverages remained equal.

For the first time since March 2009, exports to EU countries increased by more than exports to non-EU countries. Imports from non-EU countries, on the other hand, rose by more than imports from EU countries.

Partly as a result of higher prices of petroleum derivatives, basic metals and chemical products, export prices were 7 percent higher than twelve months previously. Higher prices for petroleum, petroleum derivatives and basic metals, pushed up import prices by 9 percent from one year ago. Terms of trade were down on April 2009.

Goods exports (volume)

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