51.   Exports have fallen and imports have risen sharply.

52.   The surplus had fallen because imports had risen in October this year, the institute said.

53.   The reserves would have been higher but for an industrial recovery in recent months, causing imports to rise, and interest payments that recently fell due.

54.   Istat said that although imports had risen strongly, export performance had driven the economy further into a trade surplus.

55.   It was the first time monthly exports and imports had risen simultaneously since February of last year and ministry officials said the reason was surging trade within Asia.