In August 2017, exports and imports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of +14.3% and +12.8% respectively (+4.6% and +13.0% in the same order, in July 2017). The main contributions for the acceleration of exports came from the economic categories Transport equipment and Fuel and lubricants.
Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports increased by 12.4% and imports grew by 14.7% (+5.1% and +9.6% respectively, in July 2017).
The deficit of trade balance amounted to EUR 1,316 million in August 2017, increasing by EUR 105 million when compared with August 2016. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the trade balance stood at EUR 1,054 million, corresponding to an increase of EUR 201 million in the trade deficit compared with August 2016.
In the quarter ended in August 2017, exports and imports of goods grew by 8.0% and 10.8% respectively, vis-à-vis the quarter ended in August 2016.