| Actual | Previous | Revised | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | €17.0B | €-0.1B | €-0.2B |
| Imports - M/M | -7.1% | -4.7% | -3.5% |
| Imports - Y/Y | -10.0% | 1.1% | 1.4% |
| Exports - M/M | -0.1% | 1.1% | 0.5% |
| Exports - Y/Y | 7.5% | 7.6% | 7.5% |
Highlights
The seasonally adjusted merchandise trade balance was in a €17.0 billion surplus in March, a marked improvement on February's marginally larger revised €0.2 billion deficit and the first positive reading since September 2021. Unadjusted, the balance showed a €25.6 billion surplus after a €20.0 billion shortfall a year ago.
However, the monthly improvement in the adjusted data only reflected a 0.1 percent dip in exports and, more obviously, a 7.1 percent fall in imports. The latter have contracted every month since last August and now stand an unadjusted 10.0 percent lower on the year. By contrast, exports are up 7.5 percent. Overall EU exports to Russia fell 37.2 percent from March 2022 while imports from Russia were down some 72.1 percent.
However, the monthly improvement in the adjusted data only reflected a 0.1 percent dip in exports and, more obviously, a 7.1 percent fall in imports. The latter have contracted every month since last August and now stand an unadjusted 10.0 percent lower on the year. By contrast, exports are up 7.5 percent. Overall EU exports to Russia fell 37.2 percent from March 2022 while imports from Russia were down some 72.1 percent.
Definition
The merchandise trade balance measures the difference between imports and exports of goods. The level of the international trade balance, as well as changes in exports and imports, indicate trends in foreign trade. For the Eurozone, monthly data are available for trade in goods; statistics on services are released as part of the overall quarterly current account report. The headline trade data are not adjusted for seasonal factors and so should only be viewed in relation to the outturn a year ago. However, seasonally adjusted figures available elsewhere in the report do allow for monthly comparisons.
Description
Changes in the level of imports and exports, along with the difference between the two (the trade balance) are a valuable gauge of economic trends here and abroad. While these trade figures can directly impact all financial markets, they primarily affect the value of the local currency dollar in the foreign exchange market.
Imports indicate demand for foreign goods and services. Exports show the demand for Eurozone goods in countries overseas. The euro can be particularly sensitive to changes in the balance since a trade deficit/surplus can create greater/reduced demand for foreign currencies. The bond market is also sensitive to the risk of importing inflation. This report gives a breakdown of EMU trade with major countries as well, so it can be instructive for investors who are interested in diversifying globally. For example, a trend of accelerating exports to a particular country might signal economic strength and investment opportunities in that country.
Imports indicate demand for foreign goods and services. Exports show the demand for Eurozone goods in countries overseas. The euro can be particularly sensitive to changes in the balance since a trade deficit/surplus can create greater/reduced demand for foreign currencies. The bond market is also sensitive to the risk of importing inflation. This report gives a breakdown of EMU trade with major countries as well, so it can be instructive for investors who are interested in diversifying globally. For example, a trend of accelerating exports to a particular country might signal economic strength and investment opportunities in that country.
