According to a recent report from Eurostat, the euro remained the leading currency for extra-EU imports of primary goods excluding petroleum in 2025, accounting for 47.4% of total transactions. The United States dollar followed closely with a 45.0% share, highlighting the continued competition between the world’s two dominant trade currencies across international markets.
Strong Performance In Primary Goods Imports
Eurostat data show that the euro continued playing a central role in extra-EU trade involving primary commodities during 2025. Currencies from EU member states outside the eurozone represented just 1.7% of transactions, while other international currencies accounted for the remaining 5.3%, reinforcing the euro’s dominant position in this category.
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USD Dominance In The Energy Sector
In stark contrast, the US dollar overwhelmingly dominated the importation of petroleum products, commanding an 86.7% share in 2025. The euro, while significant in other sectors, lagged substantially in stellar energy trade performance, with only a 12.9% share. Minor roles were played by other EU currencies (0.2%) and non-EU currencies (0.1%), reinforcing the dollar’s preeminence in the energy domain.
Competitive Landscape In Manufacturing Trade
In the realm of manufactured goods, the US dollar again led the way with a 46.2% share of imports. The euro was not far behind, securing 43.3% of the market. Additional contributions came from other EU currencies at 1.7% and non-EU currencies at 8.5%, illustrating the diversified currency usage in this trade segment.
Export Trends: Euro Ascendant Amid Varied Currency Usage
The report further reveals that the euro played a decisive role in extra-EU exports of primary goods, achieving a 62.2% share compared to the US dollar’s 22.9%. Contributions from other domestic EU currencies (2.5%) and non-EU currencies (12.1%) complemented the overall export transactions. In petroleum exports, however, the US dollar remained dominant with a 70.1% share. The euro managed a notable 27.5% share in this energy category.
Manufactured Goods Exports
In manufactured goods exports, the euro maintained its lead with a 50.4% share, while the U.S. dollar represented 32.4% of transactions. Other EU currencies accounted for 1.8%, with non-EU currencies making up the remaining 15.2%, highlighting continued diversification in international trade settlement practices.
The latest Eurostat figures illustrate the euro’s strong position across large segments of extra-EU trade, even as the U.S. dollar continues dominating energy-related transactions and maintains a major role in global manufacturing trade.
