Moderate growth exports in March

31/05/2011 09:30

The volume of exports of goods was more than 2 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 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 36.8 billion euro, i.e. 12 percent higher than one year previously. The value of imports grew by nearly 18 percent to 33.7 billion euro, resulting in a trade surplus of 3.1 billion euro, i.e. 1.1 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 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, t erms of trade deteriorated slightly compared with March 2010.

The figures published in this update have been adjusted from those published on 13 May 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.