Volume of goods exports higher in August

After correction for working days, the volume of goods exported from the Netherlands in August was 8 percent higher than in August 2004. Export prices were 2 percent higher than a year ago. August 2005 had one working day more than last year.The growth rate of the export volume in July and August remained about the same as in the first six months.

In the first eight months of 2005 the volume of exports of goods, adjusted for the working day pattern, was on average 7 percent up on the same period one year previously. In 2004 the volume of exports of goods was more than 8 percent up on 2003.

The value of goods exports was 14 percent higher in August than twelve months previously. The exports to EU countries were up by 12 percent on the year before.  Exports to countries outside the European Union rose by 18 percent.

In August the volume of imports of goods, after correction for the working day pattern, was 5 percent up on last year’s August. Import prices were 3 percent higher. In the first six months of 2005 the import volume growth rate also averaged 5 percent.

The value of goods imports was 12 percent higher in August than twelve months previously. Dutch imports of goods from EU countries in August were 5 percent higher than in August 2004. Dutch imports from countries outside the European Union in August were up by 20 percent. In June and July imports from non EU-countries grew faster too. The high oil prices and their influence on the import of raw materials and mineral fuels, for instance from Russia, played a major role in this.

Export of goods (volume)