The first estimate for the euro area (EA16) trade balance with the rest of the world in December 2009 gave a 4.4 bn euro surplus, compared with -1.8 bn in December 2008. The November 2009 balance was +4.0 bn, compared with -6.9 bn in November 2008. In December 2009 compared with November 2009, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 3.1% and imports by 1.7%.