International trade continues to grow

In February 2005 the value of Dutch international commodity trade was again higher than in February 2004. Dutch exports reached 21.6 billion euro, 11 percent more than in February 2004. The imports, valued at 18.8 billion euro, increased by 10 percent. Import and export prices increased slightly, according to the latest preliminary figures by Statistics Netherlands.

More trade with EU and non-EU-countries

The value of the goods exports to countries within the European Union reached 17.0 billion euro in February 2005. This was 11 percent more than in February 2004. The imports from the EU countries reached 10.6 billion, which is 7 percent higher. The Netherlands exported 4.6 billion euro worth of goods to countries outside the European Union in February 2005, 10 percent more than the year before. With a 13 percent increase the imports from countries outside the European Union came to 8.2 billion. The imports from China and Russia increased substantially. 

Highest growth rate in raw materials, mineral fuels and chemical products

In February 2005 the import and export values of raw materials, mineral fuels and chemical products increased well above average. The import value of these goods was actually 23 percent higher than in February 2004. This pattern became increasingly clear in recent months. The high oil prices explain much of the development in mineral fuels and chemical products.

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