Portugal: Imports rise 10.8%, exports up 0.4% in April, trade deficit widens

Lisbon, June 9 (Lusa) – Portuguese exports increased by 0.4% and imports rose by 10.8% in April year on year, which led to an incraese in the trade deficit to €1.239 billion, the National Statistics Institute (INE) said on Friday.

In March exports and imports recorded nominal on year increases of 23.8% and 14.9%.

According to INE’s International Trade Statistics, excluding fuels and lubricants, in April exports decreased by 2.3% and imports increased by 6.1% (+21.1% and +15.0% respectively, in March 2017).

Considering the quarter ended in April, exports and imports of goods increased by 11.1% and 11.8% respectively year-on-year.

In the month under review, the trade deficit stood at €1.239 billion, or an increase of €509 million compared to the same month of 2016.

Excluding fuels and lubricants, the balance of trade was negative by €900 million euros, €367 million more than in the same month of 2016.

PD/CA // CA

Lusa