The visible trade gap widened by €39.2 million in May when compared to the same month in 2011, according to preliminary figures published by the National Statistics Office.

The NSO said the visible trade gap in May stood at €256.6 million.

There were increases in imports and exports of €151.0 million and €111.8 million.

In the first five months, the visible trade gap narrowed by €186.9 million, to stand at €644.6 million.

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, the Netherlands and Belgium, while there were decreases from France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany.

Exports to the euro area went up, mainly to France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Spain. Other increases in exports were recorded for Turkey (mainly fuels), Libya, the United States of America, and Taiwan.

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