The euro zone swung to a trade surplus in October from a deficit a year earlier as exports fell less than imports, despite a stronger euro exchange rate.

The seasonally unadjusted trade surplus of the 16-state area totalled €8.8 billion compared with a deficit of €1.2 billion in October 2008 and a revised surplus of €900 million in September 2009, data showed.

Unadjusted exports fell 17 per cent year-on-year in October while imports dropped 24 per cent, the EU’s statistics office said. Adjusted for seasonal swings, the surplus was €6.3 billion, up from €4.3 billion in September as exports eased 0.2 per cent month-on-month while imports fell 2.2 per cent on the month. – (Reuters)