Robust Recovery In European Trade
The European Union recorded a trade surplus of €28.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, with exports to non-EU countries continuing to exceed imports. According to Eurostat data, the result extends the recovery trend that began in the third quarter of 2023.
Key Export Sectors Fueling Growth
Chemicals and related products generated the largest surplus at €49.3 billion. Machinery and vehicles followed with a surplus of €42.3 billion, while food, drinks and tobacco added €10.8 billion. Miscellaneous goods contributed €7.1 billion, reflecting broad-based export strength across multiple sectors.
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Addressing Persistent Challenges
The energy sector remained the main drag on the trade balance, posting a deficit of €62.7 billion. Other manufactured goods and raw materials also recorded deficits of €11.0 billion and €7.5 billion respectively, highlighting continued structural pressures in import-dependent categories.
Cooling Global Trade Dynamics
Data from the fourth quarter of 2025 also revealed a contraction in global trade activity. Total imports decreased by 1.4% while exports dropped by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter. These declines, marking three consecutive quarters of reduction for both categories, signal a potential cooling in global trade volumes that European businesses will need to navigate carefully moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The latest figures reveal both the strengths and vulnerabilities of current European trade dynamics. As the EU continues to leverage its competitive export sectors amidst challenging external pressures, policymakers and industry leaders alike must remain vigilant to maintain this upward trend while addressing persistent deficits in energy and certain manufactured categories.
