Trade deficit down by €1.8 million

Provisional data for international trade from the National Statistics Office shows a trade deficit of €218.8 million registered in July compared to a deficit of €220.6 million in the corresponding month of 2017.

Both imports and exports increased by €28.6 million and €30.4 million respectively. The increase in the value of imports was primarily due to machinery and transport equipment while mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials accounted for the main increase in exports.

An increase of €417.6 million in imports from Euro area countries between January and July 2018 when compared to the same period of 2017 was registered by the NSO.

Main increases in imports were registered from Italy (€109.8 million) and main increase in exports was directed to France (€30.6 million). Italy registered the highest decrease in exports.

Malta’s trade imports from the European Union reached €2,356.9 million, 66% of total imports.