EU-27 imports of telecom products increased by 61% over 2000 – 2008

The total value of extra EU-27 trade in telecommunication, sound and video equipment (SITC division 76) rose by 33% over the period 2000-2008. There were minor fluctuations for exports but imports increased by 61%, peaking in 2007. The EU-27 recorded trade deficits for these products every year. China was the major world trader in these products in 2008, followed by the United States. The United States and Russia were the most important trading partners for extra EU-27 exports in this category from 2000-2008 and together accounted for 24% of exports in 2008. China was by far the largest trading partner for extra EU-27 imports in 2008. In 2008, the EU-27’s most traded product group for both exports and imports was mobile telephones. Imports of mobile phones amounted to €15.2 billion and exports to €9.3 billion. The largest EU-27 exporters of telecommunication, sound and video equipment in 2008 were Germany, Sweden, Hungary and Finland. The Netherlands was the largest importer.