The euro zone's non-adjusted trade deficit narrowed year-on-year in January as exports increased five times faster than imports, signalling rising external demand but still muted domestic consumption.
The deficit of the 16-country area totalled €8.9 billion in January, down from €12.1 billion a year earlier as exports rose 5 per cent year-on-year and imports only 1 per cent, the European Union statistics office, Eurostat said.
December's surplus was revised to €4.1 billion from the €4.4 billion euros estimated previously.
For all of 2009, the euro zone's surpluses with its two biggest trading partners -- Britain and the United States -- narrowed to €49.5 billion and €34.7 billion respectively.
The single currency area's trade deficit with China narrowed to €90.1 billion from €119.7 billion in 2008, with Russia to €31.9 billion from €43.7 billion and with Japan to €14.4 billion from €23.8 billion.
Reuters