Provisional data for international trade show that the visible trade gap in November 2009 stood at €66.0 million, down by €20.1 million compared to the corresponding month in 2008. There was a drop in imports of €42.4 million and a decrease in exports of €22.3 million. The decrease in imports was mainly due to fuel and lubricants, consumer goods, and capital goods and others. Food accounted for the main decline in exports.

During the first eleven months last year, the visible trade gap narrowed by €208.3 million, to stand at €1,061.7 million. This was brought about by a drop of €610.3 million in imports and a decrease of €402.0 million in exports. The decline in imports was mainly due to mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials and machinery and transport equipment. Decreases were also registered in miscellaneous manufactured articles, semi-manufactured goods, food and chemicals. During this period the drop in exports was primarily due to machinery and transport equipment. Other decreases were registered in food, miscellaneous manufactured articles, chemicals and semimanufactured goods.

The bulk of Malta’s trade flows and consequent trade deficit continued to be directed towards the European Union during the first eleven months of 2009.

Permalink: Visible trade gap improved by €20.1 million in November