The Ministry for Finance welcomes the latest international trade news release published today by the NSO, which shows a remarkable increase of €484.3 million in Malta’s exports net of fuels for the first three quarters of this year.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY FOR FINANCE

During the period January to September 2016, exports net of fuels increased to €2,079.2 million from €1,594.9 million a year earlier. The highest increase was recorded in the chemical sector where exports of chemicals rose by €559.1 million, mostly reflecting exports of pharmaceuticals. Other notable increases were recorded in the exports of semi-manufactured goods and exports of beverages and tobacco.

An increase in imports was also recorded, with the highest increase being in machinery and transport equipment which rose by €359.1 million. This mostly reflected imports by the maritime and aviation industries, reflecting the investment in these two respective sectors.

Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna said that: “These figures further confirm that Malta’s manufacturing sector is doing fairly well, despite operating within a negative international outlook.”

Monday  7th November 2016