In August 2018, exports and imports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of +2.6% and +8.6% respectively, both decelerating when compared with the previous month (+13.8% and 11.9% in the same order, in July 2018). Excluding Fuels and lubricants, exports increased by 1.7% and imports grew by 1.9% (+11.8% and +12.5% respectively in July 2018).
The deficit of trade balance amounted to EUR 1,709 million in August 2018, i.e. increasing by EUR 351 million when compared with the same month of 2017. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the trade balance stood at EUR -1,124 million, corresponding to an increase of EUR 28 million in the trade deficit when compared with August 2017.
In the quarter ended in August 2018, exports and imports of goods grew by 8.9% and 12.6% respectively, vis-à-vis the same period of the previous year.