The volume of goods exported by the Netherlands was 2.9% higher in April compared to the year-earlier period, according to provisional figures published by the the national statistics office CBS on Wednesday.

However growth was lower than in March when exports rose by 6% year-on-year. Imports were marginally lower in April, the CBS added.

The April export figure reveals machinery and chemicals were the strongest gainers. The export of gas was again considerably lower than in April 2016.

The CBS is forecasting higher export growth in June. Conditions are determined by developments in Dutch export markets as well as the country’s competitive position. The biggest export market is Germany where both consumer confidence and industrial production is higher than in April.

Goods exports make up roughly 75% of total exports. The CBS does not report on the export of services on a monthly basis, rather these figures are published quarterly.