OREANDA-NEWS. The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in May 2016 was €167.4 billion, an increase of 2% compared with May 2015 (€164.3 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €142.8 bn, a fall of 2% compared with May 2015 (€146.0 bn). As a result, the euro area recorded a €24.6 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in May 2016, compared with +€18.3 bn in May 2015. Intra-euro area trade rose to €139.4 bn in May 2016, up by 1% compared with May 2015.

In January to May 2016, euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world stood at €826.6 bn (nearly stable compared with January-May 2015) and imports at €721.3 bn (-3% compared with January-May 2015). As a result the euro area recorded a surplus of €105.3 bn, compared with +€85.9 bn in January-May 2015. Intra-euro area trade was €705.5 bn in January-May 2016 (+1% compared with January-May 2015).

European Union

The first estimate for extra-EU28 exports of goods in May 2016 was €142.7 billion, down by 2% compared with May 2015 (€145.9 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €136.3 bn, down by 3% compared with May 2015 (€140.1 bn). As a result, the EU28 recorded a €6.4 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in May 2016, compared with +€5.8 bn in May 2015. Intra-EU28 trade rose to €252.0 bn in May 2016, +1% compared with May 2015