In March 2024, exports and imports of goods recorded nominal year-on-year rates of change of -13.6% and -15.5%, respectively (+2.6% and +1.7%, in the same order, in February 2024). 

In March 2024, there were decreases in exports and imports of Industrial supplies (-16.9% and -26.9%, respectively). The decrease in exports of Transport equipment (-16.0%) and imports of Fuels and lubricants (-33.0%) is also noteworthy.

Excluding Fuels and lubricants, there were decreases of 13.6% in exports and 13.1% in imports in March 2024 (+1.8% and +2.9%, respectively, in February 2024).

In March 2024, the unit value indices (prices) continued to record negative rates of change, -2.3% in exports and -3.1% in imports (-3.9% and -6.0%, respectively, in February 2024; +4.4% and -2.3% in March 2023). Excluding petroleum products, there were decreases of 2.2% in exports and 3.5% in imports (-2.9% and -5.6%, respectively, in February 2024; +6.1% and +0.5% in March 2023).

The deficit of the trade balance decreased by EUR 471 million in March 2024, year-on-year, amounting to EUR 1,621 million. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the deficit amounted to EUR 1,174 million, reflecting a decrease of EUR 129 million.

In the 1st quarter of 2024, exports and imports decreased by 4.2% and 6.3%, respectively, year-on-year (+1.1% and -2.4%, in the same order, in the quarter ended in February 2024).