| Actual | Previous | Revised | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | €5.15B | €4.64B | €4.79B |
Highlights
The seasonally adjusted trade balance was in a €5.15 billion surplus in August, up from July's larger revised €4.79 billion.
Exports to the European Union increased 2.1 percent and decreased 7.7 percent to non-EU countries, dropping total exports 2.7 percent. Imports from the EU countries declined 1.2 percent and decreased 7.0 percent from non-EU countries, putting total imports down 3.7 percent versus July.
The unadjusted year-over-year data showed total exports were down 1.1 percent and imports down 3.0 percent. Exports to EU countries increased 5.4 percent, while exports to non-EU markets decreased 7.0 percent. Imports from the EU decreased 3.0 percent, and imports from non-EU countries declined 2.9 percent. Meanwhile, the unadjusted trade balance was in a €2.05 billion surplus in August, up from €1.34 billion surplus in August 2024.
Trade with the US decreased in August, with exports falling 21.1 percent compared to August 2024 likely due to the tariffs. Imports from the US rose 68.5 percent compared to August 2024 and the trade balance was €1.21 billion.
Lastly month-over-month, import prices decreased 0.6 percent and decreased 3.0 percent year-over-year.
Exports to the European Union increased 2.1 percent and decreased 7.7 percent to non-EU countries, dropping total exports 2.7 percent. Imports from the EU countries declined 1.2 percent and decreased 7.0 percent from non-EU countries, putting total imports down 3.7 percent versus July.
The unadjusted year-over-year data showed total exports were down 1.1 percent and imports down 3.0 percent. Exports to EU countries increased 5.4 percent, while exports to non-EU markets decreased 7.0 percent. Imports from the EU decreased 3.0 percent, and imports from non-EU countries declined 2.9 percent. Meanwhile, the unadjusted trade balance was in a €2.05 billion surplus in August, up from €1.34 billion surplus in August 2024.
Trade with the US decreased in August, with exports falling 21.1 percent compared to August 2024 likely due to the tariffs. Imports from the US rose 68.5 percent compared to August 2024 and the trade balance was €1.21 billion.
Lastly month-over-month, import prices decreased 0.6 percent and decreased 3.0 percent year-over-year.
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.
