The volume of Dutch exports rose by 8% in February compared with the year-earlier period, the national statistics office CBS said on Tuesday. This was the sharpest gain in six years, the CBS added.

The increase was due largely to exports of machinery, chemical products and transport equipment, both manufactured in the Netherlands and shipped on from elsewhere.

Imports in February were 4% higher year-on-year.

The CBS said the prospects for exports in April were more positive than they were in February. This is due to favourable exchange rate developments and improved German industrial activity.