Exports up €24m in January

Exports grew by €24.6 million in January, compared to January 2009, while imports were down by €54.2 million, NSO figures issued today show.

The decrease in imports was primarily due to capital goods, in particular aircraft parts.

Machinery and transport equipment, and food, particularly fish, accounted for the main increase in exports. Other increases were also registered in mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, semi-manufactured goods and crude materials.

The bulk of Malta's trade flows and consequent trade deficit continued to be directed towards the European Union during the first month of 2010. Drops were registered in imports from Germany, France and UK, while increases were recorded from Italy and Netherlands. Exports to the euro area were down, but increases were recorded to Singapore, Japan and the United States.

The visible trade gap in January 2010 stood at €46.1 million, down by €78.8 million when compared to the corresponding month last year.