Charts of the Week
Charts of the week from 1 to 5 September 2025: exports and imports of goods, unemployment
After several months of contraction, goods exports increased in July, even though they were still down slightly year-on-year in the first seven months (-0.2%). Goods imports declined in July after having risen in the two previous months; overall, they were 4.1% higher year-on-year in the first seven months. The number of registered unemployed persons rose slightly in August for the second consecutive month (0.2%, seasonally adjusted), mainly due to an increased influx of first-time job seekers. At the end of August, 44,307 persons were unemployed, 0.4% fewer than a year ago, marking a smaller decline than in recent months.
Exports and imports of goods, July 2025
After several months of decline, goods exports rose month-on-month in July, while imports fell (seasonally adjusted). The July increase in real exports (1.8%) was driven by a substantial rise in exports to non-EU countries, to which exports have fluctuated noticeably in recent months. Exports to EU countries decreased on average (notably to Austria and Croatia, while exports to Germany increased). Exports increased across most main product groups, while exports of metals and metal products continued to decline. In addition to pharmaceutical products and machinery and equipment, vehicle exports recorded growth, even though they have been subject to strong fluctuations in recent months. After two consecutive months of expansion, goods imports declined in July (-2.3%), primarily owing to lower imports of certain intermediate goods (e.g. organic chemicals) and capital goods (all seasonally adjusted). In the first seven months of this year, goods exports were 0.2% lower year-on-year, whereas imports were 4.1% higher.
Weak activity in Slovenia’s main trading partners continued to weigh on sentiment in export-oriented activities, as expectations for export orders remained very low in August. In the third quarter, companies reported that the uncertain economic situation and weak domestic and foreign demand are the main obstacles to their business activity.
Unemployment, August 2025
The number of registered unemployed persons rose slightly in August for the second consecutive month (by 0.2%, seasonally adjusted). With the increase in the inflow of first-time jobseekers into unemployment, the original data show that at the end of August there were 44,307 unemployed persons, i.e. 1.2% more than at the end of July. Year-on-year, the number of unemployed was 0.4% lower, marking a lower decrease compared to previous months. The year-on-year decline in the number of long-term unemployed (–8.3%) and the number of unemployed persons aged over 55 (–9.8%) were also slightly smaller than in previous months. Since the end of last year, the number of unemployed young people (aged 15–29) has been above the level of a year earlier (in August, it was up 7.9% year-on-year).