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Eurozone Trade Surplus Plunges in March as Exports Slump
The Eurozone’s trade surplus collapsed to €7.8 billion in March 2026, down from a record €34.1 billion a year earlier, as exports fell 5.5% to €265.3 billion. The decline follows last year’s peak, when US consumers rushed to boost foreign purchases ahead of tariffs introduced in April 2025. Exports declined sharply in chemicals (-31.9%), machinery and vehicles (-2.0%), and food and drink (-1.3%). Shipments to the US plunged 38.8%, while exports to China (-4.6%) and Turkey (-9.3%) also fell. Meanwhile, imports grew 4.4% to €257.4 billion, driven by higher purchases of fuels and lubricants (8.3%) and crude materials (5.8%) due to soaring energy costs tied to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Imports of machinery and vehicles also climbed 6.8%. Nearly all major trade partners saw increased imports, led by Switzerland (11%), Norway (8.6%), Japan (8.9%), and Brazil (4.6%). For Q1 2026, the surplus shrank to €16.6 billion from €55.4 billion in the same period of 2025.
Published on 2026-05-19

Eurozone Trade Surplus Plunges in March as Exports Slump
The Eurozone’s trade surplus collapsed to €7.8 billion in March 2026, down from a record €34.1 billion a year earlier, as exports fell 5.5% to €265.3 billion. The decline follows last year’s peak, when US consumers rushed to boost foreign purchases ahead of tariffs introduced in April 2025. Meanwhile, imports rose 4.4% to €257.4 billion. For Q1 2026, the surplus shrank to €16.6 billion from €55.4 billion in the same period of 2025.
Published on 2026-05-19

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows More than Expected
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to €11.5 billion in February 2026 from €23.1 billion a year earlier, slightly below expectations of €11.7 billion. Exports fell 6.7% year on year to €232.4 billion, while imports declined 2.2% to €220.9 billion, reducing the surplus by €11.6 billion. The chemicals sector saw a sharp drop in its surplus to €16.2 billion from €30.4 billion, while machinery and vehicles also weakened, with the surplus falling to €10.2 billion from €14.2 billion. In contrast, the energy deficit improved to €20.0 billion from €25.2 billion. Over the first two months of 2026, the Euro Area posted a cumulative surplus of €10.6 billion, down from €21.8 billion in the same period last year.
Published on 2026-04-17

Euro Area Trade Gap Widens in January
Euro Area trade deficit widened to €1.9 billion in January 2026 from €1.4 billion a year earlier, missing market expectations for a €12.8 billion surplus. Exports declined 7.6% year on year to €215.3 billion while imports decreased 7.3% to €217.2 billion, increasing the overall deficit by €0.5 billion. The decline was driven primarily by a sharp decline in chemicals and related products, where the surplus narrowed from €24.6 billion in January 2025 to €16.7 billion in January 2026. The machinery and vehicles sector also weakened, with its surplus shrinking from €5.6 billion to €1.6 billion over the same period. In contrast, the energy sector showed notable improvement, as its deficit decreased from €26.2 billion to €19.2 billion.
Published on 2026-03-20

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in December
Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to €12.6 billion in December 2025 from €13.9 billion a year earlier as imports grew faster than exports, pointing to softer external balance despite rising trade activity. Exports rose 3.4% year on year to €234.0 billion while imports increased 4.2% to €221.3 billion, reducing the overall surplus by €1.3 billion. The decline was driven mainly by smaller surpluses in chemicals (€16.5 bn vs €20.2 bn in December 2024), machinery and vehicles, other manufactured goods and raw materials. By contrast, the energy deficit improved, narrowing to €19.1 billion from €24.5 billion a year earlier. For the full year 2025, the bloc recorded a €164.6 billion surplus, down slightly from €168.9 billion in 2024, as exports rose 2.4% but imports increased faster at 2.7%.
Published on 2026-02-13

Europe Braces for Tariff Fight Tied to Greenland
European Union ambassadors agreed Sunday to step up efforts to dissuade U.S. President Donald Trump from imposing tariffs on European allies, while preparing retaliation if duties proceed, diplomats said. Trump vowed on Saturday to impose escalating tariffs from February 1 on Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain, and Norway “until the US is allowed to buy Greenland,” a move that major EU states condemned as blackmail. EU leaders will debate responses at an emergency Brussels summit on Thursday. Options include a tariff package on €93 billion of U.S. imports, set to activate February 6 after a six-month suspension, or deploying the never-used “Anti-Coercion Instrument” (ACI), which could restrict U.S. access to public tenders, investments, banking, or services trade, areas where Washington runs a surplus, notably in digital services.
Published on 2026-01-19

Europe Braces for Tariff Fight Tied to Greenland
European Union ambassadors agreed Sunday to step up efforts to dissuade U.S. President Donald Trump from imposing tariffs on European allies, while preparing retaliation if duties proceed, diplomats said. Trump vowed on Saturday to impose escalating tariffs from February 1 on Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain, and Norway “until the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland,” a move that major EU states condemned as blackmail. EU leaders will debate responses at an emergency Brussels summit on Thursday. Options include a tariff package on €93 billion of U.S. imports, set to activate February 6 after a six-month suspension, or deploying the never-used “Anti-Coercion Instrument” (ACI), which could restrict U.S. access to public tenders, investments, banking, or services trade, areas where Washington runs a surplus, notably in digital services.
Published on 2026-01-19

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in November
The Eurozone’s trade surplus narrowed to €9.9 billion in November 2025 from €15.4 billion a year earlier, as exports fell 3.4% while imports decreased 1.3%. In the broader EU, the trade surplus also fell to €8.1 billion from €11.8 billion. EU exports dropped 4.4% to €213.8 billion, due to lower sales of machinery & vehicles (-1.3%), chemicals (-12.8%), and food & drink (-1.6%). Exports decreased to the US (-20.3%), the UK (-6%) and China (-1.2%), but rose to Switzerland (6.7%). Meanwhile, imports fell 2.9% to €205.7 billion, mainly due to lower purchases of energy (-22.5%) and chemicals (-4.6%). On the other hand, imports rose for machinery & vehicles (3.3%). Imports from key partners fell, including the US (-7.1%), the UK (-4.7%), and Switzerland (-1.9%). However, imports from China rose 3.8%.
Published on 2026-01-15

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in November
The Eurozone’s trade surplus narrowed to €9.9 billion in November 2025 from €15.4 billion a year earlier, below market expectations of €15.2 billion, as exports fell 3.4% while imports decreased 1.3%. In the broader EU, the trade surplus also fell to €8.1 billion from €11.8 billion. EU exports dropped 4.4% to €213.8 billion, due to lower sales of machinery & vehicles (-1.3%), chemicals (-12.8%), and food & drink (-1.6%). Exports decreased to the US (-20.3%), the UK (-6%) and China (-1.2%), but rose to Switzerland (6.7%). Meanwhile, imports fell 2.9% to €205.7 billion, mainly due to lower purchases of energy (-22.5%) and chemicals (-4.6%). On the other hand, imports rose for machinery & vehicles (3.3%). Imports from key partners fell, including the US (-7.1%), the UK (-4.7%), and Switzerland (-1.9%). However, imports from China rose 3.8%.
Published on 2026-01-15

Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in October
The Eurozone’s trade surplus widened to €18.4 billion in October 2025 from €7.1 billion a year earlier, as exports rose 1.0% while imports declined 3.6%. In the broader EU, the trade surplus also rose to €14.7 billion compared with €3.1 billion in October 2024. EU exports edged up 1.0% to €258.0 billion, due to higher sales of machinery & vehicles (+1.5%), food & drink (0.9%), and raw materials (+1.8%). Exports increased to Switzerland (16.5%), Norway (6.1%), and Mexico (8.7%), but fell to the US (-14.7%), the UK (-3.0%) and China (-3.3%). Meanwhile, imports declined 3.6% to €239.6 billion, driven by lower purchases of chemicals (-4.9%), and food & drink (-1.1%), and energy (-24.0%). On the other hand, machinery & vehicles imports rose 4.2%. Imports declined from China (-34.1%), India (-3.0%), while rose from US (19.5%), the UK (16.7%), and Switzerland (2.3%).
Published on 2025-12-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in October
The Eurozone’s trade surplus widened to €18.4 billion in October 2025 from €7.1 billion a year earlier, as exports increased and imports fell. In the broader EU, the trade surplus also rose to €14.7 billion compared with €3.1 billion in October 2024. EU exports edged up 1.0% to €258.0 billion, due to higher sales of machinery & vehicles (+1.5%), food & drink (0.9%), and raw materials (+1.8%). Exports increased to Switzerland (16.5%), Norway (6.1%), and Mexico (8.7%), but fell to the US (-14.7%), the UK (-3.0%) and China (-3.3%). Meanwhile, imports declined 3.6% to €239.6 billion, driven by lower purchases of chemicals (-4.9%), and food & drink (-1.1%), and energy (-24.0%). On the other hand, machinery & vehicles imports rose 4.2%. Imports declined from China (-34.1%), India (-3.0%), while rose from US (19.5%), the UK (16.7%), and Switzerland (2.3%).
Published on 2025-12-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in October
The Eurozone’s trade surplus widened to €18.4 billion in October 2025 from €7.1 billion a year earlier, as exports rose 1.0% while imports declined 3.6%. In the broader EU, the trade surplus also rose to €14.7 billion compared with €3.1 billion in October 2024. EU exports edged up 1.0% to €258.0 billion, due to higher sales of machinery & vehicles (+1.5%), food & drink (0.9%), and raw materials (+1.8%). Exports increased to Switzerland (16.5%), Norway (6.1%), and Mexico (8.7%), but fell to the US (-14.7%%), the UK (-3.0%%) and China (-3.3%). Meanwhile, imports declined 3.6% to €239.6 billion, driven by lower purchases of chemicals (-4.9%), and food & drink (-1.1%), and energy (-24.0%). On the other hand, machinery & vehicles imports rose 4.2%. Imports declined from China (-34.1%), India (-3.0%), while rose from US (19.5%), the UK (16.7%), and Switzerland (2.3%).
Published on 2025-12-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in October
The Eurozone’s trade surplus widened sharply to €18.4 billion in October 2025 from €7.1 billion a year earlier, as exports increased while imports fell. Across the broader European Union, the trade surplus also climbed to €14.7 billion from €3.1 billion in October 2024. EU exports rose 1.0% to €258.0 billion, supported by stronger shipments of machinery and vehicles (+1.5%), food and drink (+0.9%) and raw materials (+1.8%). Exports surged to Switzerland (+16.5%), Norway (+6.1%) and Mexico (+8.7%), but fell to the US (-14.7%), the UK (-3.0%) and China (-3.3%). Meanwhile, imports fell 3.6% to €239.6 billion, weighed down by lower purchases of chemicals (-4.9%), energy (-24.0%) and food and drink (-1.1%), although machinery and vehicle imports rose 4.2%. By country, imports declined sharply from China (-34.1%) and India (-3.0%), while rising from the US (+19.5%), the UK (+16.7%) and Switzerland (+2.3%).
Published on 2025-12-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Widens in September
The Eurozone’s trade surplus widened to €19.4 billion in September 2025 from €12.9 billion a year earlier, as exports rose 7.7% while imports increased 5.3%. In the broader EU, the trade surplus also rose to €16.3 billion from €9.5 billion. EU exports climbed 6.9% to €228.2 billion, due to higher sales of machinery & vehicles (+4%), chemicals (17.4%), and food & drink (4.8%). Exports increased to the US (15.4%), the UK (2.8%) and Switzerland (13.4%), but fell to China (-2.5%). Meanwhile, imports increased 3.8% to €211.9 billion, supported by purchases of machinery & vehicles (8.8%), chemicals (5.4%), and food & drink (10.2%). On the other hand, energy imports fell 7.3%. Imports from key partners rose, including the US (12.5%), China (3.6%), and Switzerland (20.6%).
Published on 2025-11-14

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in August
The Euro Area trade surplus fell to €1.0 billion in August 2025, down from €3.0 billion a year earlier and well below market expectations of €6.9 billion. The surplus with the US, a highly sensitive measure, shrank to €5.8 billion from €14.2 billion, driven by a 22.3% drop in exports and a modest 0.6% decline in imports, amid ongoing trade tariff uncertainty. Total exports fell 4.7% to €205.9 billion, weighed down by weaker sales of chemicals, machinery, and vehicles. By destination, shipments dropped to China (-12.8%), Japan (-24.9%), Turkey (-10.0%), South Korea (-14.2%), India (-9.8%), Brazil (-7.3%), and the UK (-0.1%). Meanwhile, imports fell more gradually, down 3.8% to €204.9 billion, driven by lower purchases from Norway (-16.6%), the UK (-9.5%), China (-8.2%), and India (-6.1%).
Published on 2025-10-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in August
The Euro Area trade surplus fell to €1.0 billion in August 2025, down from €3.0 billion a year earlier and well below market expectations of €6.9 billion. The surplus with the US, a highly sensitive measure, shrank to €5.8 billion from €14.2 billion, driven by a 22.3% drop in exports and a modest 0.6% decline in imports, amid ongoing trade tariff uncertainty. Total exports fell 4.7% to €205.9 billion, weighed down by weaker sales of chemicals (-9.6%), and machinery and vehicles (-3.9%). By destination, shipments dropped to China (-12.8%), Japan (-24.9%), Turkey (-10.0%), South Korea (-14.2%), India (-9.8%), Brazil (-7.3%), and the UK (-0.1%). Meanwhile, imports fell more gradually, down 3.8% to €204.9 billion, driven by lower purchases of fuels and lubricants (-16.9%) and crude materials (-9.7%). Imports were down from Norway (-16.6%), the UK (-9.5%), China (-8.2%), and India (-6.1%).
Published on 2025-10-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in August
The Euro Area trade surplus fell to €1.0 billion in August 2025, down from €3.0 billion a year earlier and well below market expectations of €6.9 billion. The surplus with the US, a highly sensitive measure, shrank to €5.8 billion from €14.2 billion, driven by a 22.3% drop in exports and a modest 0.6% decline in imports, amid ongoing trade tariff uncertainty. Total exports fell 4.7% to €205.9 billion, weighed down by weaker sales of chemicals, machinery, and vehicles. By destination, shipments declined to China (-12.8%), Japan (-24.9%), Turkey (-10.0%), South Korea (-14.2%), India (-9.8%), Brazil (-7.3%), and the UK (-0.1%).
Published on 2025-10-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in August
The Euro Area trade surplus fell to €1.0 billion in August 2025, down from €3.0 billion a year earlier and well below market expectations of €6.9 billion. The surplus with the US, a highly sensitive measure, shrank to €5.8 billion from €14.2 billion, driven by a 22.3% drop in exports and a modest 0.6% decline in imports, amid ongoing trade tariff uncertainty. Total exports fell 4.7% to €205.9 billion, weighed down by weaker sales of chemicals, and machinery and vehicles. By destination, shipments declined to China (-12.8%), Japan (-24.9%), Turkey (-10.0%), South Korea (-14.2%), India (-9.8%), Brazil (-7.3%), and the UK (-0.1%).
Published on 2025-10-16

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows on Rising Imports
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to €12.4 billion in July 2025, down from €18.5 billion a year earlier, but slightly above market expectations of €11.7 billion. Imports climbed 3.1% to €239.1 billion, their highest level since March, driven by stronger purchases of food & drink (+9.3%), chemicals (+10.6%), and machinery & vehicles (+2.0%). Meanwhile, exports increased 0.4% to €251.5 billion, supported by rising shipments of food & drink (+2.8%) and machinery & vehicles (+3.5%), but weighed down by declines in raw materials (-4.7%), fuels & lubricants (-18.5%), and chemicals (-6.0%).
Published on 2025-09-15

Euro Area Trade Surplus Narrows in July Amid Rising Imports
The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to €12.4 billion in July 2025, down from €18.5 billion a year earlier, but slightly above market expectations of €11.7 billion. Imports climbed 3.1% to €239.1 billion, their highest level since March, driven by stronger purchases of food & drink (+9.3%), chemicals (+10.6%), and machinery & vehicles (+2.0%). Meanwhile, exports increased 0.4% to €251.5 billion, supported by rising shipments of food & drink (+2.8%) and machinery & vehicles (+3.5%), but weighed down by declines in raw materials (-4.7%), fuels & lubricants (-18.5%), and chemicals (-6.0%).
Published on 2025-09-15