Dutch exports nearly 5 percent up

The volume of exports of goods grew nearly 5 percent in January relative to twelve months previously, equalling the growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2012.The volume of imports increased by more than 4 percent in January, just below the growth level of the previous three months. Volume figures are adjusted for the number of working days.

The value of exported goods totalled 36.1 billion euro, i.e. more than 5 percent up from twelve months previously. The value of imported goods rose by more than 5 percent to 32.3 billion euro, resulting in a trade surplus of 3.8 billion euro, i.e. an increase by 0.2 billion euro relative to January 2012.

The value of imports and exports of food and drinks and raw materials and mineral fuels improved substantially. The value of trade with EU countries grew more rapidly than with non-EU countries.

Export and import prices were respectively 0.6 and 0.1 percent up from  one year previously. As a result, terms of trade improved compared to January 2012.

Just as in February, conditions for exports hardly changed, according to March’s Exports Radar.

Exports of goods (volume adjusted for working days)