In December 2017, exports and imports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of +0.1% and -0.8% respectively, both decelerating compared to the previous month (+11.6% and +10.4% in the same order, in November 2017).
Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports decreased by 0.5% and imports grew by 1.3% (+12.5% and +7.8% respectively, in November 2017).
The deficit of trade balance amounted to EUR 1,382 million in December 2017, i.e. decreasing by EUR 51 million when compared with December 2016. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the trade balance stood at EUR -1,088 million, corresponding to an increase of EUR 79 million in the trade deficit compared with December 2016.
In the 4th quarter 2017, exports and imports of goods grew by 8.3% and 10.0% respectively, vis-à-vis the 4th quarter 2016.
When considering the year 2017 as a whole, exports of goods grew by 10.1% (+0.8% in 2016) and imports of goods increased by 12.5% (+1.5% in 2016) in comparison to the previous year and the deficit of trade balance increased by EUR 2,622 million. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports and imports grew by 9.1% and 10.7% respectively, in 2017 (+2.3% and +5.1% in 2016).