| Actual | Previous | Revised | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | €4.07B | €3.4B | €3.24B |
Highlights
The seasonally adjusted merchandise trade surplus rose to €4.1 billion in August from a downwardly revised €3.2 billion in July (originally reported at €3.4 billion). That's the widest surplus in more than two years.
The improving trade balance came largely courtesy of a 5.1 percent jump in exports, the biggest rise since July of 2022. Imports also gained, albeit by a less marked 3.8 percent, also the largest increase since July of 2022.
Capital goods accounted for the bulk of the monthly gain in imports, in line with the unexpected recent resilience in the manufacturing sector, rising 5.4 percent. Energy (11.1 percent) also posted a sizeable advance.
Seasonally adjusted exports to European Union nations rose by 3.5 percent, while imports gained by 3.7 percent, leaving trade at a deficit of €1.020 billion, slightly wider than the €935 million recorded in July.
Exports to non-EU states jumped by 6.9 percent, while imports gained by 3.8 percent, leaving trade in surplus to the tune of €5.085 billion, up from €4.170 billion in July.
The improving trade balance came largely courtesy of a 5.1 percent jump in exports, the biggest rise since July of 2022. Imports also gained, albeit by a less marked 3.8 percent, also the largest increase since July of 2022.
Capital goods accounted for the bulk of the monthly gain in imports, in line with the unexpected recent resilience in the manufacturing sector, rising 5.4 percent. Energy (11.1 percent) also posted a sizeable advance.
Seasonally adjusted exports to European Union nations rose by 3.5 percent, while imports gained by 3.7 percent, leaving trade at a deficit of €1.020 billion, slightly wider than the €935 million recorded in July.
Exports to non-EU states jumped by 6.9 percent, while imports gained by 3.8 percent, leaving trade in surplus to the tune of €5.085 billion, up from €4.170 billion in July.
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 and can offer a guide to an economy's competitiveness.
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 currency values in foreign exchange markets.
Separate reports are published for external and internal EU trade. The extra-EU trade data are compiled on the basis of customs declarations with non-EU countries. The intra-EU trade data (Intrastat) are derived from surveys and provide statistics on trade between Italy and other EU member states. The data are available monthly. World trade data are available within one month after the reference month while intra-EU trade data are available within 7 weeks after the reference month.
Separate reports are published for external and internal EU trade. The extra-EU trade data are compiled on the basis of customs declarations with non-EU countries. The intra-EU trade data (Intrastat) are derived from surveys and provide statistics on trade between Italy and other EU member states. The data are available monthly. World trade data are available within one month after the reference month while intra-EU trade data are available within 7 weeks after the reference month.
