Preliminary figures show that Malta registered a trade deficit of €242.6 million in May 2018, compared to a trade deficit of €441.2 million in the corresponding month of 2017.
Both imports and exports decreased by €271.9 million and €73.3 million respectively. The decrease in the value of imports was primarily due to machinery and transport equipment (€304 million), while mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (€45.7 million) accounted for the main decrease in exports.
January-May 2018
During the first five months of this year, the trade deficit narrowed by €556.0 million when compared to the corresponding period of 2017, reaching €715.3 million.
Imports show a decrease of €368.1 million, while exports increased by €187.9 million.