In December 2016, exports and imports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of, respectively, +11.8% and +12.6% vis-à-vis December 2015 (+7.8% and +8.7% in the same order, in November 2016). Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports increased by 8.9% and imports grew by 9.1% (+8.2% and +10.6% respectively, in November 2016).
Trade balance deficit reached EUR 1 374 million in December 2016, increasing by EUR 181 million when compared with December 2015. Trade balance deficit, excluding Fuels and lubricants, stood at EUR 950 million, increasing by EUR 84 million compared with December 2015.
In the 4th quarter 2016, exports of goods increased by 4.9% and imports of goods grew by 6.4% vis-à-vis the 4th quarter 2015.
When considering the year 2016 as a whole, exports of goods increased by 0.9% (+3.7% in 2015) and imports of goods grew by 1.2% (+2.2% in 2015), vis-à-vis the previous year, with trade balance deficit having increased by EUR 281 million. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports and imports increased by 2.4% and 4.8% respectively in 2016 (+4.3% and +7.0% in 2015).