Malta exported less in April, while rising fuel prices pushed the value of imports, official figures released today show.

The National Statistics Office said the visible trade gap widened by €62.3 million to €156.9 million in April 2008 when compared to April 2007.

There was an increase in imports of €50.4 million and a decrease in exports of €11.9 million.

The increase in imports was mainly due to mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials. Other increases were recorded in capital goods and consumer goods.

Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and beverages and tobacco accounted for the decrease in exports.

During the first four months this year, the visible trade gap widened by €108.4 million to stand at €447.3 million. This came about because of an increase of €84.5 million in imports and a decrease of €23.9 million in exports.

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