| Actual | Previous | Revised | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | €5.12B | €3.85B | €3.77B |
Highlights
The seasonally adjusted trade balance was in a €5.12 billion surplus in December, up from November's smaller revised €3.77 billion.
Exports to the European Union increased 3.5 percent versus November and grew 0.3 percent to non-EU countries, enabling total exports to rise 1.9 percent. Imports from EU countries decreased 1.3 percent and declined 0.2 percent from non-EU countries, putting total imports down 0.8 percent versus November.
The unadjusted year-over-year data showed, total exports were up 2.9 percent while imports were up 1.7 percent. Exports to EU countries increased 1.4 percent, while exports to non-EU markets rose 4.2 percent. Imports from the EU decreased 2.4 percent, imports from non-EU countries increased 7.7 percent. Meanwhile, the unadjusted trade balance was in a €5.98 billion surplus in December, up from November's €4.00 billion.
Import prices increased 0.3 percent on the month in December but were up 0.1 percent versus December a year ago. Compared to 2023, import prices decreased by 1.5 percent in 2024.
Exports to the European Union increased 3.5 percent versus November and grew 0.3 percent to non-EU countries, enabling total exports to rise 1.9 percent. Imports from EU countries decreased 1.3 percent and declined 0.2 percent from non-EU countries, putting total imports down 0.8 percent versus November.
The unadjusted year-over-year data showed, total exports were up 2.9 percent while imports were up 1.7 percent. Exports to EU countries increased 1.4 percent, while exports to non-EU markets rose 4.2 percent. Imports from the EU decreased 2.4 percent, imports from non-EU countries increased 7.7 percent. Meanwhile, the unadjusted trade balance was in a €5.98 billion surplus in December, up from November's €4.00 billion.
Import prices increased 0.3 percent on the month in December but were up 0.1 percent versus December a year ago. Compared to 2023, import prices decreased by 1.5 percent in 2024.
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.
