Exports growth slightly up

The volume of exports of goods increased by 3 percent in March relative to twelve months previously. Dutch exports had grown by nearly 2 percent in February. The volume of imports grew by 1 percent in March. Volume figures have been adjusted for the number of working days.

May’s Exports Radar shows both improvements and deteriorations. In the last six months, circumstances for Dutch exports have hardly changed.

The value of exported goods totalled 38.1 billion euro. This is the highest exports value ever measured, i.e. more than 3 percent up from one year previously. The value of imports grew by more than 1 percent to 33.8 billion euro, also a record high value. The trade surplus amounted to 4.3 billion euro, which is 0.7 billion euro above the March 2011 level. Value figures have not been adjusted for the effects of the number of working days. March 2012 had one working day fewer than March 2011.

The value of imports and exports of raw materials and mineral fuels grew substantially in March compared to twelve months previously. Not only the petroleum price was higher, but the trade in mineral fuels also increased.

Exports to non-EU countries grew much faster than exports to EU countries.

Export and import prices were 2.9 and 3.1 percent up respectively from twelve months previously. As a result, terms of trade deteriorated slightly relative to March 2011.

Exports of goods (volume adjusted for working days)

More figures can be found on the theme page International Trade.