Czech Republic posts record monthly trade balance surplus

February saw the highest monthly trade balance surplus in the country's history, according to preliminary data from the Czech Statistical Office. Exports and imports grew by 19.5% and 14.5% year-on-year, respectively and the trade balance amounted to 13.6 billion crowns, which is 8.8 billion higher than in February last year. The figures were mainly influenced by a 3.4 billion crown increase in the trade surplus in machinery and transport equipment and by a 3.3 billion crown decrease in the trade deficit in mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.