Eurozone's August surplus in goods trade narrowed to €16.1 billion from €23.2 billion in July and from €17.5 billion a year ago, according to the first estimates by Eurostat.

Exports of goods to the rest of the world were €171.5 billion in August, lower than the €177.7 billion figure in July, but 6.8% higher year over year. August imports rose to €155.4 billion from €154.6 billion in July, and were up 8.6% annually.

Intra-eurozone trade climbed 7.6% in annual terms in August to €132.9 billion after 5.6% growth in the month before.

The European Union recorded a €5.1 billion deficit in trade in goods with the rest of the world in August, down from an €8.2 billion deficit a year ago.