Surplus on external trade in services at EUR 826 mln in Q1

Trade

Image by Shutterstock.com

In the first quarter of 2021 service exports and imports calculated in EUR decreased by 25% and 16% respectively compared to the same period of the previous year, with the surplus adding up to EUR 826 million, according to data by the Central Statistical Office (KSH).

The negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly reduce external trade in services, KSH notes.

The value of exports amounted to EUR 4.3 bln, that of imports to EUR 3.5 bln.

Manufacturing services on physical inputs owned by others contributed an increase of 319, travel of 317, and transport services of EUR 282 mln to the surplus of the first quarter of 2021, among the service groups. 

Some 64% of Hungary's service exports and 70% of service imports were transacted with EU countries, generating a surplus of EUR 297 mln in this relation.

Hungary's most important partner was still Germany with 20% of the total turnover. The second most important partner, the United States, had a share of 9.4 %, in the third place, Austria had a 7.8% proportion in external trade in services.

The proportion of business services was 53% of total service exports, (including 27% for other business services), followed by transport services with 25% and travel with 9.8%. The share of business services was the most relevant on the import side too, accounting for 69% of total imports, (including 41% for other business services), followed by transport services with 23% and maintenance and repair services n.i.e in the third place with 3.1%.

Surplus down EUR 724 mln compared to Q1 2020

The surplus on external trade in services fell by EUR 724 mln compared to Q1 2020

The significant reduction in the surplus is mainly explained by a deterioration in the travel and business services balances of EUR 308 and 204 million respectively, KSH notes.

Hungary's surplus in EU trade decreased by 57%, by EUR 400 mln, mainly due to the deterioration of the trade balance with Belgium, which decreased by EUR 198 mln.

For countries outside the EU, Hungary's balance worsened by EUR 324 million, or 38%, mainly due to a 63% (EUR 165 mln) deterioration in trade balance with the United Kingdom.

Hungary Gasoline Prices 3% Over Regional Avg Energy Trade

Hungary Gasoline Prices 3% Over Regional Avg

Gov't Wants Sustainable Business Model for Magyar Posta Government

Gov't Wants Sustainable Business Model for Magyar Posta

120,000 Guest Workers Employed in Hungary HR

120,000 Guest Workers Employed in Hungary

Budapest Airport Wins 'Best Airport in Eastern Europe' for 1... Awards

Budapest Airport Wins 'Best Airport in Eastern Europe' for 1...

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.