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EU Trade Surplus Falls To €128 Billion In 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 27, 2026

The European Union recorded a €128 billion goods trade surplus in 2025, down €8 billion from 2024, according to Eurostat. Data reflect changes across sectors and trading partners. Trend follows a period of volatility in recent years. Trade balance remains positive despite shifts in energy and manufacturing.

Overview Of Trade Performance

Despite an overall positive trend over the past decade, the EU experienced a notable deviation in 2022 with a trade deficit driven by stark energy imbalances. In every other year since 2015, including 2025, the Union maintained a robust trade surplus, underscoring its resilience in the face of fluctuating market conditions.

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Sectoral Trends And Insights

Machinery, vehicles and chemicals remained the main contributors to the surplus. These sectors offset deficits from energy imports. Surplus in chemicals increased from €128.3 billion in 2015 to €256.7 billion in 2025. Food and drink rose from €32.0 billion to €39.7 billion, while other goods increased from €9.5 billion to €20.7 billion. Other manufactured goods moved into deficit. The energy trade gap widened due to price volatility.

Global Trading Partners

The United States remained the largest export market for the EU in 2025, accounting for €554.9 billion, or 21.0% of total exports. Value increased by 3.6% compared to 2024. The United Kingdom followed with €345.5 billion, or 13.1%, while Switzerland accounted for €219.5 billion, or 8.3%.

On the import side, China was the largest supplier, with imports reaching €559.4 billion, or 22.3% of the total, up 6.4% year-on-year. The United States and the United Kingdom ranked among the top import partners. Data reflect continued concentration of trade flows among major economies.

Focused Analysis: EU-Australia Trade

The EU recorded a €26.7 billion trade surplus with Australia. Exports reached €36.9 billion in 2025, down 4.9% year-on-year but up 39.6% since 2015. Imports totaled €10.2 billion, slightly lower than in 2024 but nearly 50% higher over the longer term. Trade remains concentrated in a limited number of product categories. Key export groups accounted for nearly half of the total value. Imports were driven by commodities including coal and oilseeds.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Greek Retail Powerhouse Expands Into Six Strategic International Markets

Greek retail titan Jumbo has announced an ambitious expansion strategy that positions the company to extend its international footprint beyond its established strongholds in Cyprus and Southeast Europe. In a strategic agreement with the Balfin Group, the retailer is set to penetrate six new markets, including Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

Strategic Global Expansion

The agreement builds on the existing cooperation between Jumbo and Balfin Group, which previously supported the retailer’s expansion into markets including Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova. According to the company, the next phase of expansion will include a greater degree of local operational management across the new markets.

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Enhanced Logistics And Supply Chain Capabilities

To support the expanded international network, Balfin Group is also developing a new central logistics hub in China. The facility is expected to strengthen sourcing, warehousing, transportation and distribution operations across the Caucasus region, Central Asia and Ukraine. Previously, Jumbo relied primarily on logistics infrastructure based in Greece to support franchise operations across Southeast Europe.

Sustainable Growth And Robust Financial Foundation

Alongside its franchise expansion strategy, Jumbo continues focusing on organic growth across existing markets. The retailer currently operates 89 physical stores, including 53 in Greece, six in Cyprus, 10 in Bulgaria and 20 in Romania, in addition to its e-commerce operations. A new store in Baia Mare is expected to open by the end of October.

Jumbo also operates 46 franchise stores across seven countries, including Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Israel. According to the company, its expansion strategy continues to be supported by strong liquidity levels and the absence of bank borrowing.