One of Malta's main economic thrusts – exports – has registered an impressing increase during the first four months of this year – hinting at a strong economic performance during the first part of this year, even though no GDP figures have been published so far.

According to new data published by Eurostat – the EU's statistics arm – Malta increased its exports by 49 per cent between last January and April when compared to the same period of 2010.

During the first four months, Malta managed to export some €1 billion worth of products, an increase of €400 million, or €100 million per month, over 2010.

This increase in exports has also triggered a strong increase in imports as Malta normally imports almost all its raw materials used in the manufacture of its products.

Eurostat said that Malta imported a total of €1.2 billion worth of products during the first trimester, an increase of 35 per cent over the same period of 2010.

Malta's export performance so far is the third best among the EU's 27 member states.

Only Estonia (+57 per cent) and Bulgaria (+50 per cent) have managed to perform better.