Euro Area
The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in May 2018 was EUR 189.6 billion, a decrease of 0.8 % compared with May 2017 (EUR 191.2 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at EUR 173.1 bn, a rise of 0.7 % compared with May 2017 (EUR 171.9 bn). As a result, the euro area recorded a EUR 16.5 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in May 2018, compared with +EUR 19.3 bn in May 2017. Intra-euro area trade rose to EUR 162.3 bn in May 2018, up by 0.5 % compared with May 2017
In January to May 2018, euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world rose to EUR 927.6 bn (an increase of 2.8 % compared with January-May 2017), while imports rose to EUR 847.6 bn (also an increase of 2.8 % compared with January-May 2017). As a result the euro area recorded a surplus of EUR 80.0 bn, compared with +EUR 78.0 bn in January-May 2017. Intra-euro area trade rose to EUR 808.0 bn in January-May 2018, up by 4.8% compared with January-May 2017.
European Union
The first estimate for extra-EU28 exports of goods in May 2018 was EUR 160.9 billion, down by 2.7% compared with May 2017 (EUR 165.4 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at EUR 160.7 bn, down by 1.4% compared with May 2017 (EUR 163.0 bn). As a result, the EU28 recorded a EUR 0.2 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in May 2018, compared with +EUR 2.3 bn in May 2017. Intra-EU28 trade rose to EUR 294.7 bn in May 2018, +1.6% compared with May 2017.
Annex – Seasonally adjusted data
In May 2018 compared with April 2018, euro area seasonally adjusted exports increased by 0.2 %, while imports increased by 0.9 %. The seasonally adjusted balance was +EUR 16.9 bn, a fall compared with April (+EUR 18.0 bn).
In May 2018 compared with April 2018, EU28 seasonally adjusted exports remained stable, while imports fell by 0.2%. The seasonally adjusted balance was EUR -0.4 bn, an improvement compared with April (EUR -0.8 bn).
