Hungary Trade Surplus Shrinks in May

Hungary’s trade surplus narrowed to EUR 665 million in February 2026 from EUR 1,006 million in the corresponding month a year ago, as exports rose less than imports. Still, it was the largest trade surplus since June 2025. Exports grew 2.6% year-on-year to EUR 12,695 million in February, driven by increased shipments of machinery and transport equipment, though partly offset by weaker exports of manufactured goods. Meanwhile, imports climbed 5.9% to EUR 12,030 million, supported by higher purchases of machinery and transport equipment. For the first two months of the year, the country’s trade surplus fell to EUR 957 million from EUR 1,775 million in the same period last year.

Hungary’s trade surplus narrowed to EUR 12 million in January 2026 from EUR 768 million in the corresponding month a year ago and well below market forecasts of EUR 333 million. This marked eighteenth consecutive month of trade surplus, though it was the smallest in the sequence, as exports fell while imports rose. Exports declined by 4.5% year-on-year to EUR 11,468 million in January, amid reduced shipments of machinery and transport equipment and manufactured goods. Meanwhile, imports increased by 2.0% to EUR 11,455 million, supported by increased purchases of machinery and transport equipment and fuels and electric energy.

Hungary’s trade surplus narrowed to EUR 333 million in December 2025 from EUR 362 million in the same month a year earlier, as import growth slightly outpaced exports. Exports increased 6% year-on-year to EUR 10,809 million, with shipments to EU countries edging up 0.2%, while those to non-EU partners surged 7.7%. Meanwhile, imports rose 6.5% to EUR 10,475 million, with import volumes from EU countries declining 2%, while purchases from non-EU partners advanced 23%. For the full year 2025, the country’s trade surplus narrowed to EUR 8,245 million from EUR 8,684 million in the same period last year.