It was the largest trade gap since the series began in 1993, as imports grew softer by 14.3% year-on-year to EUR 8,957.5 million.

Also, exports increased at a slower pace by 1.1% to EUR 7,707.3 million. Considering the whole 2022, the country posted a trade deficit of EUR 4,340.4 million, shifting from a surplus of EUR 1,875.6 million in the previous year.