Summary
In 2008 the imports rose by 7.2% and exports by 1.0% in reference to 2007.
The fourth quarter of 2008 reflected in a most intense way the consequences of the international economic crisis with a decrease of 6.4% in imports and 11.0% in exports, comparing to the same period in the previous year. In the former quarters, in spite of a slowdown, the variations were clearly positive. The biggest drops were felt in the intra-community trade, especially in the trade with Spain and France.
Spain continues to be the major partner country with 30.8% share in imports and an annual growth rate of 6.5% in spite of a drop in the fourth quarter. On exports side, Angola had the biggest growth with an increase of 586.2 millions euros thus becoming the fourth Portuguese export market.