-Howard Archer, HIS Markit
The Euro zone's trade surplus expanded more than expected in November, official figures showed on Monday. According to Eurostat, the Euro zone's trade surplus increased to €22.7 billion, following the previous month's upwardly revised €19.9 billion and surpassing analysts' expectations for an acceleration to €20.8 billion. Back in November, exports and imports rose 3.3% and 1.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the region's surplus with the rest of the world advanced to €25.9 billion on an annual basis, compared to the previous year's €22.9 billion. On a yearly basis, exports climbed 6% to €184.2 billion, while shipments from abroad rose 5% to €158.3 billion from November's €150.9 billion a year ago. Consequently, the Euro zone posted a €25.9 billion surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in the reported month, compared to a surplus of €22.9 billion registered in the same month one year ago. On a yearly basis, exports grew 6% to €184.2 billion, while shipments from abroad rose 5% to €158.3 billion. The value of goods exports from January to November stood at €1869.0 billion, since imports declined 2.0%. During the same period in 2015, the region's trade surplus widened to €248.2 billion from €214.3 billion.
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