Merchandise imports up 11%, exports up 5% in 2005
Exports of merchandise trade for the year 2005 were €88.4bn, up 5% on 2004.
The rise was due mainly to the pharmaceutical sector and computer equipment. Imports for 2005 were €56.5bn, up 11% on 2004.
This increase was principally due to machinery and transport equipment and fuels.
In December 2005 the value of exports was €7.6bn, up €433m (+6%) on December 2004, while imports were €5.5bn, up €805m (+17%).
On a seasonally-adjusted basis, the value of exports in December 2005 was €7.7bn, 1% down on November 2005, while imports were €5.3bn, up 12%.
Preliminary estimates for January 2006 show exports of €7.2bn and imports of €5bn. The corresponding seasonally-adjusted values for January 2006 are €8.1bn for exports and €4.9bn for imports.
Comparing the 2005 figures with those of 2004 shows that exports of organic chemicals increased from €14.7bn to €17.8bn, computer equipment from €13.4bn to €14bn (+4%) and essential oils and cleansing preparations increased from €4.8bn to €5.2bn (+10%).
Exports of medical products decreased from €15.2bn to €14.4bn (-5%).
Exports of goods to Belgium increased from €12.3bn to €13.4bn (+9%) and to France from €5bn to €5.7bn (+12%).
Goods to Spain increased from €2.4bn to €2.9bn (+21%). Goods to Hong Kong decreased from €833m to €640m (-23%) and to Italy from €3.8bn to €3.6bn (-5%).
Imports of computer equipment increased from €7.9bn to €9.1bn (+16%) and petroleum and related materials from €2.2bn to €3.2bn (+42%).
Other transport equipment (including aviation) increased from €1.5bn to €2bn (+32%), road vehicles increased from €3.3bn to €3.8bn (+14%).
Electrical machinery and parts decreased from €4.7bn to €4.3bn (-8%).
Imports of goods from Great Britain increased from €14.9bn to €16.4bn (+10%), the USA from €7bn to €8bn (+14%), China from €2.8bn to €3.7bn (+34%) and Norway from €963m to €1.5bn (+54%).
Goods from France decreased from €2.3bn to €1.9bn (-18%).
