EU Posts €36.3 Billion Transport Services Surplus In 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 17, 2026

Strong Global Position In Transport Services

The European Union has secured a €36.3 billion surplus in transport services for 2024, underscoring its robust position in the international transport market. According to data released by Eurostat, EU countries exported transport services valued at €258.7 billion, while imports were recorded at €222.4 billion.

Resilient Growth And Market Stabilisation

Export and import values increased compared with 2023. Exports rose by 3.6%, while imports grew by 4.7% year-on-year.

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Eurostat said the increase follows a period of stabilisation after a surge in transport service values in 2022, driven by higher energy costs. Data show a consistent pattern in the sector between 2014 and 2024.

Key Trading Partners Driving Growth

The United States was the largest destination for EU transport service exports in 2024, accounting for €45.9 billion, or 17.8% of the total. The United Kingdom followed with €35.6 billion (13.7%).

Switzerland and China, excluding Hong Kong, accounted for €21.4 billion (8.3%) and €20.5 billion (7.9%) respectively. Singapore ranked next with €11.2 billion, representing 4.3% of exports.

Reciprocal Trade Dynamics

Leading export markets were also among the main suppliers of transport services to the EU. Imports from the United States totaled €35.6 billion, or 16.0% of the total.

The United Kingdom followed with €24.1 billion (10.8%), while China accounted for €16.9 billion (7.6%). Switzerland and Singapore contributed €15.1 billion (6.8%) and €11.9 billion (5.3%) respectively.

Market Outlook

The data reflect continued trade flows in transport services between the EU and its main partners. Figures also indicate stable demand across key international markets.

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Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

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States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

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