The euro zone swung to a trade surplus in October from a deficit a year earlier, data showed today, as exports fell less than imports despite a stronger euro exchange rate against the dollar.
The seasonally unadjusted trade surplus of the 16-country area totalled €8.8 billion, compared with a deficit of €1.2 billion in October 2008 and a revised €900 million surplus in September 2009.
Unadjusted exports fell 17 per cent year-on-year in October, while imports dropped 24 per cent, the European Union's statistics office said.
Adjusted for seasonal swings, the surplus was €6.3 billion, up from €4.3 billion in September as exports eased 0.2 per cent month-on-month while adjusted imports fell 2.2 per cent on the month.
Reuters