The European Union consolidates its trade surplus to €28.400 billion at the end of 2025

 

La Unión Europea (EU) recorded a trade surplus of 28.400 millones de euros in the fourth quarter of 2025, after exports to third countries surpassed imports. This result confirms the stability of the European trade balance following the energy cost crisis experienced between 2021 and 2023.

 

Analysis of the surplus by strategic sectors

 

The positive balance in the last quarter of the year was primarily driven by the solid performance of chemical industry and the sector machinery and vehiclesChemicals and related products contributed a surplus of 49.300 billion euros, while machinery and equipment added another 42.300 billion euros to the regional balance.

 

Furthermore, the balance of trade It also benefited from the food, beverage, and tobacco sectors, which generated a surplus of €10.800 billion. However, the Unión Europea It continues to show a strong external dependence in the energy sector, registering a deficit of 62.700 billion euros in this category during the same period.

 

Evolution of imports and exports

 

In terms of business volume, both imports and exports experienced slight declines. Imports of the UE They descended a 1,4 % compared to the previous quarter, while exports fell by 0,8 %This downward trend has remained constant for three consecutive quarters.

 

Commercial Category (SITC)	Trade Balance (Q4 2025)
Chemicals and related products	+€49.300 billion
Machinery and vehicles	+€42.300 billion
Food, drinks and tobacco	+€10.800 billion
Other goods	+€7.100 billion
Raw Materials	-€7.500 billion
Manufactured goods	-€11.000 billion
Energy	-€62.700 billion
TOTAL EU SURPLUS	+€28.400 billion

 

Foreign trade outlook

 

The consolidation of the surplus, according to data provided by EurostatThis marks a milestone in the recovery of European foreign trade. After a period of persistent deficits caused by the increase in energy prices By the end of 2021, the export structure of the UE It has demonstrated resilience, especially in high technological and manufacturing value-added sectors.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about EU foreign trade

• What was the final result of the EU's trade balance in the fourth quarter of 2025?
  La Unión Europea It achieved a surplus of 28.400 billion euros, maintaining the positive trend that began in the third quarter of 2023.
  
• Which sectors were the most profitable for the region?
  The chemical products (+€49.300 billion) and machinery and vehicles (+€42.300 billion) sectors were the main drivers of the trade surplus.
  
• How did total trade flows evolve at year-end?
  Both imports and exports registered declines for the third consecutive quarter, with a drop of 1,4% and 0,8% respectively.