Moderate growth exports in March

The volume of exports of goods was 3 percent higher in March 2011 than twelve months previously. The growth rate was lower than in the preceding months. The volume of goods imports was nearly 7 percent higher. Volume figures have been adjusted for the number of working days.

May’s Exports Radar shows a mixed picture with respect to developments on the exports market. 

The value of  exported goods totalled 37.0 billion euro, nearly 13 percent higher than one year previously. The value of imports grew by more than 17 percent to 33.6 billion euro, resulting in a trade surplus of 3.5 billion euro, i.e. 0.8 billion euro down on March 2010. Both imports and exports reached the highest level ever.

The value of imports and exports of raw materials and mineral fuels was distinctly higher than twelve months previously. Imports of food en drinks also improved significantly. Higher oil and food prices played an important part in this respect.

Exports to EU countries grew faster than exports to non-EU countries, but imports from EU countries grew slightly less than imports from non-EU countries.

Export prices were 9.4 percent higher than twelve months previously, import prices were 10.0 percent higher. As a result, terms of trade deteriorated slightly compared with March 2010.

Goods exports (volume adjusted for working days)

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