Overseas Merchandise Trade: September 2009

 September 2009 quarter:

Values are seasonally adjusted and compared with the June 2009 quarter unless otherwise stated.

• Imports declined to December 2005 levels to $9.5 billion.
• Imports of capital goods made the largest contribution to the decrease, followed by consumption goods.
• Exports decreased 6.8 percent to $9.4 billion, the third consecutive quarterly decrease.
• Meat and edible offal showed the largest decrease, followed by milk powder, butter, and cheese.
• The trade balance was a deficit of $104 million (1.1 percent of exports).

 September 2009 month:

Values are actual and compared with the September 2008 month unless otherwise stated.

• Imports were valued at $3.2 billion, down $1.2 billion or 26.6 percent.
• Crude oil imports showed the largest decrease, with prices nearly half what they were in September 2008.
• Exports were valued at $2.8 billion, down $347 million or 10.9 percent.
• Milk powder, butter, and cheese showed the largest decrease.
• The trade balance was a deficit of $424 million (15.0 percent of exports). Less than half the average of the preceding five September months.