The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in March 2017 was €202.3 billion, an increase of 13% compared with March 2016 (€178.9 bn), says Eurostat. Imports from the rest of the world stood at €171.4 bn, a rise of 14% compared with March 2016 (€150.7 bn).

As a result, the euro area recorded a €30.9 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in March 2017, compared with +€28.2 bn in March 2016. Intra-euro area trade rose to €168.1 bn in March 2017, up by 12% compared with March 2016.