Finally, positive news on Hungary’s trade surplus

Hungary’s trade surplus was 559 million euros in July and its trade balance improved by 1.9 billion euros compared with the same month last year, the Central Statistical Office (KSH) said in a second reading of data on Monday.

Hungary trade surplus at EUR 559 m in July

Exports rose by an annual 3.3 percent to 11.3 billion euros. Imports decreased by 13 percent to 10.7 billion euros, KSH said.

Hungary’s terms of trade improved by 8.3 percent as the forint firmed 6.2 percent to the euro and 14 percent against the dollar.

Trade with other European Union member states accounted for 76 percent of Hungary’s exports and 72 percent of its imports during the month.

In January-July, Hungary’s exports increased by an annual 10.4 percent to 88.7 billion euros, while imports slipped 0.7 percent to 83.8 billion. In volume terms, exports were up 6.2 percent, while imports decreased by 0.3 percent. The trade surplus came to 4.9 billion euros, with the trade balance improving by 9.0 billion euros.

Hungary PMI up at 47.4 in September

Hungary’s seasonally-adjusted Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 47.4 points in September from 46.7 in August, remaining under the 50 point threshold that signals expansion in the manufacturing sector, Halpim, the compiler of the index, said on Monday.

The new orders index fell from the previous month and was under the 50-point mark.