In July 2018, exports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of +13.0%, accelerating when compared with the previous month (+9.0%). Imports of goods increased by 11.0%, in nominal terms, corresponding to a deceleration vis-à-vis the rate change recorded in June 2018 (+16.5%). Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports increased by 11.0% and imports grew by 11.4% (+7.3% and +8.6%, respectively in June 2018).
The deficit of trade balance amounted to EUR 1,168 million in July 2018, i.e. increasing by EUR 32 million when compared with the same month of 2017. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the trade balance stood at EUR -788 million, corresponding to an increase of EUR 98 million in the trade deficit when compared with July 2017.
In the quarter ended in July 2018, exports and imports of goods grew by 9.4% and 8.7% respectively, vis-à-vis the same period of the previous year.