The euro area balance of trade shifted to €0.6 billion deficit in January 2017 from the surplus of €28.1 billion in December 2016.
In January 2016, the trade surplus came in at €4.8 billion. Analysts had expected the trade surplus in the eurozone at €26 billion in the reporting period.
Exports from the EU in the non-member countries increased by 13% in January to €163.9 billion compared to the same period a year ago. Imports rose by 17% to €164.5 billion.
In the EU 28, the deficit of balance of trade with non-member countries was €16.2 billion compared with the surplus of €20.9 billion in December 2016 and the deficit of €12.1 billion in January 2016.
