Lithuania experienced the largest rise in exports of any nation in the European Union over the first six months of 2013, according to data released by Eurostat on September 18th.

Exports from the country were up six per cent, the figures published by the EU's statistical office show.

On a seasonally-adjusted basis, Lithuania's exports were 15 per cent higher than in the same period of 2012. This puts the Baltic state at the top of the list of EU nations to experience growth, level with the UK. Cyprus is ranked second with a nine per cent advancement, while Bulgaria recorded a rise of eight per cent.

Latvia also featured highly on the rankings in joint-fifth position alongside Spain and Romania, which both saw their exports increase by six per cent.

There was a two per cent rise in goods sold internationally from Estonia - the 12th largest increase among EU member states.

Lithuania also topped the list for increases in imports, which were ten per cent higher year-on-year in the six months to June. Estonia was in second place with a three per cent gain. Imports were unchanged in Latvia.