Malta's overseas trade stays in decline

Malta's international trade remained sluggish in November, with imports down by €42.4 million and exports down by €22.3 million, NSO figures issued today show.

The trade gap narrowed by €20.1 million to €66.0 million compared to November 2008.

The drop in the imports bill was mainly due to fuel and lubricants, consumer goods and capital goods.

Food accounted for the main decline in exports.

During the first 11 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 semi-manufactured goods.