In January-April 2009, the volume of exports and imports fell by 22 and 26 pct, respectively, compared to the same period of the preceding year.
Trade balance showed a surplus of HUF 323 billion (EUR 1,049 million), which meant an improvement of HUF 237 billion (EUR 718 million) compared to the surplus of HUF 86 billion (EUR 331 million) in January-April 2008.
In January-April 2009, the forint price level of exports and imports increased nearly by 7-7 pct, respectively, compared to the same period of the last year, the terms of trade have not changed. The forint exchange rate weakened by 17 pct to the main foreign currencies, within that by 14 pct to Euro and by more than 30 pct to the dollar. The deterioration to foreign currency price level was more than 8 pct in external trade.
