In May 2018, exports and imports of goods recorded year-on-year nominal growth rates of +6.2% and +0.3%, respectively, both decelerating significantly when compared with the previous month (+17.7% and +12.9% in April 2018, in the same order).
The deficit of trade balance amounted to EUR 1,122 million in May 2018, i.e. decreasing by EUR 284 million when compared with the same month of 2017. Excluding Fuels and lubricants, the trade balance stood at EUR -971 million, corresponding to a decrease of EUR 72 million in the trade deficit when compared with May 2017.
In the quarter ended in May 2018, exports and imports of goods grew by 5.2% and 4.1% respectively, vis-à-vis the same period of the previous year.