Provisional data for international trade show that the visible trade gap in March stood at €95.5 million, down by €42.2 million when compared to the corresponding month last year.

There was a decrease in imports of €22.4 million, while exports registered an increase of €19.8 million.

The decrease in imports was primarily due to machinery and transport equipment, with other significant decreases registered for semi-manufactured goods, miscellaneous manufactured articles, food and chemicals. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials accounted for the main increase in exports when compared to the corresponding month in 2011.

Other increases were recorded in food, beverages and tobacco, and miscellaneous manufactured articles.

In the first quarter this year, the visible trade gap narrowed by €145.5 million, to stand at €257.7 million.

The increase in imports of €102.9 million was mainly due to mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, with other increases recorded in beverages and tobacco, and crude materials. The rise in exports of €248.3 million was primarily due to mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.

Other increases were noted in miscellaneous manufactured articles, food, and beverages and tobacco.

The bulk of Malta’s trade flows and consequent trade deficit continued to be directed towards the European Union

Increases were registered in imports from Italy, Greece and Belgium, while there were decreases from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

Exports to the euro area went up, mainly to Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium. Other increases in exports were recorded for Turkey (mainly fuels), and Libya.

These figures are supplied by the National Statistics Office.

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