In February, "exports of goods recorded year-on-year changes of 4.6% corresponding to an acceleration compared with the previous month (3.8% in January)," the INE said.

This was down to increase in intra-EU trade, according to the statement.

Imports increased by 12.8%, decelerating compared to the previous month (15.9% in January) as a result of the change in intra-EU trade.

Excluding fuels and lubricants, exports rose 7.3% and imports increased by 13.3% compared vwith 4.4% and 18.3% respectively in January this year.

The deficit in the trade balance of goods totalled €1.504 billion in February 2019, €504 million more than in the same month in 2018, the INE said.