Malta’s trade deficit narrowed to €307.8 million in September from €343.4 million a year earlier.
Imports fell by €43.6 million to €768.3 million, mainly driven by lower purchases of mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials (€41.1 million) and miscellaneous commodities (€12.0 million).
Imports were primarily sourced from the EU (62.3%) and Asia (19.2%), with the Netherlands seeing the largest increase (€133.3 million) and Italy the largest drop (€167.2 million).
Exports fell €8.0 million to €460.5 million, weighed down by mineral fuels (€34.5 million) and miscellaneous goods, partially offset by gains in machinery (€31.9 million) and chemicals (€13.4 million).
Exports to Turkey rose €79.5 million, while shipments to the US fell €117.0 million.
Over the first nine months, the deficit narrowed by €278.4 million to €3,619.4 million.