(Adds details on energy imports volumes and prices)
April 20 (Reuters) - Spain's trade deficit in the first
two months of 2023 narrowed 40% from the same period in 2022, to
6.42 billion euros ($7.03 billion) as the value of the country's
exports soared while energy imports stagnated.
The value of overall imports increased 4.3% to 70.17 billion
euros, while exports rose 13% to 63.75 billion euros, the
ministry said. The value of energy imports rose a scant 0.1%
though volumes fell 0.9% as prices gained 1%.
The price increases of exports in the first two months offset
the adverse effects of high energy prices on the Spanish trade
balance.
Spain's trade deficit skyrocketed in 2022 as oil and natural
gas prices jumped following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Spain entirely relies on imports for oil and gas.
($1 = 0.9127 euros)
(Reporting by Joao Manuel Mauricio in Gdansk, editing by Inti
Landauro)
