EU chemicals trade balance improved in H1 but activity subdued

London: The EU chemicals trade balance has continued to improve month to month in 2023 although it remains subdued compared to last year.

H1 chemicals exports were down in the first six months of the year but the year on year fall in the value of imports was greater, the latest data for the bloc show.

EU exports of machinery & vehicles and manufactured goods other than chemicals were higher in the first half while chemicals exports were still down.

The data show EU energy imports down buy more than a quarter year on year in the January to June period.

EU exports were higher in June as its machinery & vehicles and food & drink sectors geared up