The eurozone's trade surplus widened more than expected on a monthly basis in October as exports increased and imports fell, data from Eurostat showed.

The seasonally adjusted trade surplus rose to €24.5 billion in October from an upwardly revised €18.7 billion in September. The consensus estimate of economists polled by Econoday was for a trade surplus of €19.3 billion.

Exports grew 2.1% to €200.1 billion while imports edged down 0.9% to €175.6 billion.

Non-seasonally adjusted trade surplus expanded to €28.0 billion in October from €13.2 billion a year ago as exports climbed 4.1% to €217.9 billion and imports declined 3.2% to €189.9 billion.

Through October, the surplus stood at €183.2 billion, compared to €160.5 billion in the year-ago period.