Provisional data for international trade show that the visible trade gap in January 2010 stood at €46.1 million, down by €78.8 million when compared to the corresponding month last year. There was a decrease in imports of €54.2 million and an increase in exports of €24.6 million. The decrease in imports was primarily due to capital goods, in particular aircraft and parts thereof. Machinery and transport equipment, and food, in particular fish, accounted for the main increase in exports during January 2010 when compared to the corresponding month last year. Other increases were also registered in mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, semi-manufactured goods and crude materials.

The bulk of Malta’s trade flows and consequent trade deficit continued to be directed towards the European Union during the first month of 2010. Drops were registered in imports from Germany, France and UK, while increases were recorded from Italy and Netherlands. Exports to the euro area were down, but increases were recorded to Singapore, Japan and the United States Trade: January 2010