Sustained exports growth

The volume of exports of goods was nearly 7 percent higher in February 2011 than twelve months previously. This growth rate was higher than in January. The volume of goods imports was more than 9 percent higher, a substantially larger rise than in January. Volume figures have been adjusted for the number of working days.

Improvements and deteriorations keep each other in balance in April’s Exports Radar. 

The value of  exported goods totalled 32.6 billion euro, 18 percent more than one year previously. The value of imports grew by more than 21 percent to 28.9 billion euro. The trade surplus amounted 3.8 billion euro, about the same as in February 2010.

The value of imports and exports of raw materials and mineral fuels was distinctly higher than twelve months previously. Imports of chemical products, food en beverages grew strongly too.

Exports to EU countries grew slightly faster than exports to non-EU countries. Imports show the opposite pattern.

Export prices were 10.6 percent higher than twelve months previously, import prices were 10.8 percent higher. As a result, the terms of trade deteriorated marginally compared with February 2010.

The figures published in this update have been adjusted from those published on 11 April 2011. The revision is based on new and more detailed information.

Goods exports (volume adjusted for working days)

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