2010.09.2006:04:00UTC+00Italy July Trade Surplus Narrows

Italy's total trade balance showed a surplus of EUR 1.8 billion in July, narrowing from EUR 3.6 billion surplus recorded a year ago, the statistical office Istat said on Monday.

Exports increased 12.2% year-on-year to EUR 33.06 billion in July, while imports grew 21% to EUR 31.3 billion. On a seasonally adjusted basis, exports and imports decreased by 0.6% and 1.6%, respectively in August compared to the preceding month.

For the January to July period, exports increased 12.5% compared to the same period of the previous year, while imports grew 18.9%. During the period, the trade balance showed a deficit of EUR 12.5 billion, widening from EUR 1.3 billion a year ago.

In EU countries, exports increased 8.9% annually EUR 18.25 billion in July, while imports grew 12.2% to EUR 16.35 billion. Thus, the trade balance showed a surplus of EUR 1.9 billion. Month-on-month, exports and imports dropped by 1% and 3.7%, respectively.

Meanwhile, exports climbed 16.7% for Non-EU countries in July from the previous year, while imports grew 32.3%. The trade deficit totaled EUR 149 million.

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