According to preliminary figures for December 2008 the value of exported goods amounted to ISK 54,000 million fob and the value of imported goods amounted to ISK 29,900 million fob. Thus, there was a trade surplus of ISK 24,100 million in December 2008, according to the preliminary figures, calculated on fob value. Monthly figures of the trade balance at fixed rates of exchange are available from 1992 and during this period, the monthly trade balance has not been higher. According to preliminary figures for December the trade deficit for the year 2008 is ISK 4,800 million. However, this figure might change after the revision of the year 2008 and the fact that figures for trade in ships and aircrafts are not available now and therefore not included in the figures.
There is an indication of increase in the value of exported marine products and aluminium but a decrease in the imports of fuels, industrial supplies and consumer goods other than food and beverages in December compared with November 2008.
Changes in the publication of figures for the year 2008
Statistics Iceland has decided to bring forward the publication of external trade figures for the year 2008 and publish detailed preliminary figures on 30 January. Planned publication of 20 February will be cancelled and final figures for the year 2008 will be published 22 April.