The euro zone saw a sharp improvement in its trade surplus in September despite the strength of the 13-nation bloc's shared currency.
The euro zone's trade balance with the rest of the world recorded a surplus of €3.1 billion in September, up from €1.9 billion in August and €2.3 billion in September 2006, the Eurostat data agency said. Eurostat had originally estimated a €1.3 billion surplus for August.
Exports rose 4% to €126.2 billion in September, while imports climbed 3% to €123 billion.
The improvement in the euro zone's trade balance came as the euro marches steadily higher on currency markets, rising to a record high over $1.47 recently.
Analysts said it seems inevitable that euro zone exporters will find life ever more difficult over the coming months given that the euro has since risen to new highs and global growth is coming under increasing pressure from the credit crunch and record high oil prices.
