Total trade increased 0.8% to reach 26.7 million tonnes year-to-date, also driven by strong growth in imports (up 4%). Significant growth was recorded in imports of iron and steel, timber, fertiliser and chemicals, and paper and wood pulp. Exports decreased 2.1% overall, but cotton, meat products, and iron and steel all recorded strong growth. The January floods are showing minimal effects on trade so far, with a slight drop in some bulk commodities, like coal, that were significantly affected by rail closures.