Netherlands' merchandise trade surplus decreased from last year in April as shipments contracted at a faster pace than imports, data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics showed Friday.
The net trade for April resulted in a surplus of EUR3.5 billion, which was EUR0.4 billion lower than in April 2012.
Export of goods, in value terms, decreased 1.9 percent annually to EUR34.6 billion. Imported edged down 0.7 percent from a year earlier to EUR31.1 billion in April.
Exports and imports of raw materials, mineral fuels and machinery and transport equipment were lower than in the same month last year, while trade in food and drinks increased significantly.
In volume terms, calendar-adjusted exports recorded a 2.7 percent annual decrease, while imports increased by 0.2 percent, the agency said.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com