Provisional
data for international trade show that the trade deficit in January stood at €92.7
million, down by €19.6 million when compared to the corresponding month in
2013.
Increases
were recorded for both imports and exports by €20.8 million and €40.3 million
respectively. The increase in the value of imports was primarily due to mineral
fuels, lubricants and related materials, while other increases were recorded
for semi manufactured goods, chemicals, together with animal and vegetable oils
and fats. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials accounted for the
main increase in exports. Other increases were recorded for chemicals,
semi-manufactured goods, as well as beverages and tobacco
During
January, imports from the European Union accounted for 42.2 per cent of total
Imports. An increase was registered in imports from the United Kingdom, while
decreases were recorded from Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and
Belgium. Exports to the euro area showed a decrease, mainly to the Netherlands,
France, and Italy.
Other
decreases in exports were recorded to China, the United Kingdom, India,
Switzerland, Russia, and the Republic of Korea. On the other hand there were
increases in exports to the United States of America, Libya, Germany, Saudi
Arabia, Spain and Belgium.