Slight decline for the trade balance of Italy: in May, in fact, a surplus of 3,7 billion was recorded, a slight decrease compared to the 3,9 billion recorded in the same month of 2013. This was communicated by Istat, which highlights how the balance shows a surplus both with non-EU countries (+2,5 billion) and with EU countries (+1,2 billion). The trade balance, net of energy products, is active for 7,9 billion.
Compared to April, both trade flows grew in May: exports +2,2% and imports +3,2%. The increase in exports is mainly driven by sales to non-EU markets, especially of capital goods.
On an annual basis, there was a slight increase in exports, the result of the increase in sales to the EU area (+2,4%) and an almost equal decrease to the non-EU area (-2,3%). Net of the differences in days worked (21 in 2014 and 22 in 2013), however, the annual increase in exports is much more sustained, equal to 3%.
Among the products, sales of sporting goods, games and jewels grew (+7,5% yoy), motor vehicles (+5,6%) and clothing (+5,1%).
