PARIS, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Trade deficit of France widened by 2.1 billion euros (2.37 billion U.S. dollars) to 59.9 billion euros (67.92 billion dollars) in the previous year compared to 2017, as results of soaring oil prices, according to data released by customs services on Thursday.
"This new deterioration in France's trade balance is due to the increase in the energy deficit because of rising oil prices," they said in a monthly economic report.
The energy deficit widened to 46 billion euros (52.16 billion dollars) last year from 39.3 billion euros (44.56 billion dollars) a year earlier, customs data showed.
"Exports are increasing for almost all products, while imports recorded more contrasted performance as energy products, automotive and machinery increased while that of aeronautics declined," customs services added.
Over the period, the second largest European economy saw its exports up by 3.84 percent while its purchases accelerated by 3.82 percent.
With 10.6 percent growth, France sales to American markets were "very dynamic" thanks to growing demand of beverage products and sales of boats.
Offering more cars to neighbour European countries, it increased its exports by 4.5 percent in 2018 against 3.5 percent a year earlier. (1 euro = 1.133 U.S. dollar)
