Gap between exports and imports narrows in November

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The gap between imports and exports of goods shrank in November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said.

The ONS said the goods trade deficit narrowed to £9.4bn, compared with £9.7bn in October.

It added that exports were boosted by higher sales to recovering economies in the European Union.

Including services, in which the UK traditionally has a surplus, the overall trade deficit narrowed from £3.5bn to £3.2bn.

"In November 2013, exports of goods to the European Union (EU) increased by £0.6bn to £12.8bn reflecting an increase in the export of chemicals of £0.4bn," the ONS said.

"Imports from the EU increased by £0.5bn to £19.2bn, a record high attributed mainly to cars," it added.