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Topic Highlights:
Latest annual EU external trade figures released

In 2008, EU-27 total external trade increased compared to the previous year. The EU-27 exported goods worth 4010.3 billion Euro and imported goods totalling 4172.6 billion Euro. The EU-27 exports increased by 3.1%, whilst imports increased 4.0% on 2007.

The EU-27 registered a total trade deficit of -162.3 billion Euro for 2008. In 2007, the total trade deficit amounted to -122.9 billion Euro. This means that the deficit has increased by approximately 32% on 2007.

EU external trade by main product groups 

Of all exports, 39% can be attributed to the product group "machinery and transport equipment" (SITC 7). This is followed by the broad category "other manufactured goods" (SITC 6+8) which accounts for 26% of all exports.

This mainly includes leather, rubber and wood manufactures, manufactures of metals, furniture, textiles and footwear. Ranked in third position are "chemicals and related products" (15%). Together these categories made up more than 80% of all exports.

A look at the imports shows a similar pattern: Again the main product category is "machinery and transport equipment" (32%) followed by "other manufactured goods" (25%). On the import side, energy products are ranked third (16%).

EU external trade by continent

Most of the EU external trade was conducted with partner countries in Europe (including intra-EU trade with other EU Member States). 77% of all exports and 73% of all imports were traded with European states. Europe is then followed by Asia, America, Africa and Australia / Oceania. This ranking order is observed for imports, exports and total external trade alike.

Eurostat data on this topic

EU external trade, 2004-2008, annual data: Excel table

EU external trade 2008, monthly data: Excel table | Graph

EU external trade 2008 by continent, annual data: Excel table | Graph

EU external trade 2008 by partner country, annual data: Excel table

EU external trade 2008 by major product group, annual data: Excel table | Graph

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