The Nationalist Party this evening released a statement expressing worry at figures related to trade imbalance which were issued by the National Statistics Office earlier in the day.

The PN said the figures showed a consistent decrease in both imports and exports – neither of which are good indicators for the 8,000 unemployed people who are currently looking for jobs.

In a statement, PN spokesman for the economy Mario de Marco said that after the European Commission expressed concern, the economy itself is giving off signals that are of worry to Maltese families.

The PN said that European Commission reported a few days ago that for the first time since 2006, exportation was no longer a net contributor to Malta’s economy, showing trends that are not positive for factories and industries based in Malta, as well as those who are employed there.

The PN also said that the importation of durable goods was down some 11%. The PN said such goods are normally purchased at times when trust and consumer confidence is high.

The PN said the figres are an important warning to the PM and he should focus on everyday issues that affect Maltese families.