Slovenia’s exports in January-May were 11.1% higher than in the same period of 2016 and amounted to €11.4bn, while imports went up 13.8% y/y to €11.16bn. The export-import ratio was 102.2% and the external trade surplus amounted to €244.2mn, Statistical Office data released on July 10 showed.

Slovenia is a mainly export-oriented country, and exports are expected to continue growing in the coming years. Striving to achieve this, the Slovenian government plans to adopt a new law increasing support for investors. The law will ensure equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors, both of which will be eligible to receive grants.

Slovenia’s exports in May alone amounted to €2.4bn and were up by 14.1% over May 2016. Meanwhile, imports in the fifth month of the year totalled €2.39bn and increased 16.8% over April 2016.

In May, the surplus in trade in goods amounted to €6.5mn. The export/import ratio was 100.3%. Most of May’s surplus can be attributed to surplus in trade with non-EU countries, totalling €55.5mn.

Exports to EU non-member countries in May amounted to €543.6mn and went up 16% y/y while imports from them totalled €488mn, up 41.3% compared to May 2016. The monthly surplus in trade in goods with EU non-member countries continued, but the surplus in May 2017 was the lowest since January 2016, according to the statistical office.

In May, more than three quarters of Slovenia's trade in goods was generated in trade with fellow EU member states, 77.3% of total exports and 79.6% of total imports. Thus, exports to those countries amounted to €1.85bn, which was a 13.6% increase compared to May 2016. Meanwhile, imports from EU countries totalled €1.9bn, an 11.8% increase compared to May 2016. May was thus the fourth month of 2017 with a deficit in trade with EU member states, the statistical office said on July 10.