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.
