In February 2018, exports and imports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of +6.2% and +8.5% respectively, both decelerating compared to the previous month (+10.0% and +12.1% in January 2018, in the same order). The growth in exports of Transport equipment should be highlighted, representing more than two thirds (69.2%) of the global increase in this month.
The deficit of trade balance amounted to EUR 991 million in February 2018, i.e. increasing by EUR 170 million when compared with February 2017. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the trade balance stood at EUR -646 million, corresponding to an increase of EUR 118 million in the trade deficit compared with February 2017.
In the quarter ended in February 2018, exports and imports of goods grew by 5.6% and 6.8% respectively, vis-à-vis the same period a year earlier.