Increased growth in international trade

In July 2004 the value of imported goods was 18.4 billion euro. This is 11 percent higher than in July 2003. The value of exports was up by 10 percent on July 2003 and reached 20.4 billion euro. The value increase in the imports and exports in July was partly caused by higher import and export prices, according to the latest figures by Statistics Netherlands. Every month since March 2004 the value of both imports and exports has been up 5 percent on the same month of 2003.

Trade with non-EU countries growing faster than trade with EU countries

In July 2004 the value of imports from countries outside the European Union reached 7.9 billion euro. This is up 20 on July 2003. The value of the exports to these countries was up 8 percent on July 2003 and reached 4.8 billion euro.

The value of imported goods from EU countries was 5 percent higher than in July 2003 and came to 10.5 billion euro. Exports to EU countries increased by 7 percent on July 2003 and reached 15.8 billion euro.

Largest trade increase in raw materials and mineral fuels

In July 2004 the highest value increases in imports and exports were observed in raw materials and mineral fuels, as was the case in the preceding months. Price increases were a major cause of this. Also the year-on-year increase in value of the imported and exported chemical products was above average.

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