The eurozone boosts its trade surplus to €18.400 billion, driven by the correction of the energy deficit.

 

In October 2025, the the euro area It recorded a surplus in trade in goods of 18.400 billion euros, a significant increase compared to the 7.100 billion euros of October 2024. This result is mainly due to a reduction in the energy deficit and a fall in global imports.

 

Evolution of the trade balance in the euro area

 

 

The first estimates on the balance of the the euro area They show robust behavior in the tenth month of the year. exports Exports of goods to the rest of the world reached €258.000 billion, representing a 1,0% increase compared to October 2024 (€255.500 billion). Conversely, imports They stood at 239.600 billion euros, marking a decrease of 3,6% compared to the previous year (248.400 billion).

 

Compared to the previous month (September 2025), the balance remained stable at €18.400 billion. Although the surplus of chemical and related products Although it decreased —going from 28.500 billion in September to 18.400 billion in October—, improvements in other sectors helped to maintain the overall balance.

 

 

Data table: Eurozone (October 2025 vs. October 2024)

 

 

Concept	October 2025 (€ mm)	October 2024 (€ mm)	Variation
Exports	258,0	255,5	+ 1,0 %
Imports	239,6	248,4	-3,6%
Trade Balance	+ 18,4	+ 7,1	+11,3mm
Energy Deficit	-17,0	-24,7	Improve

 

 

IImpact of the energy sector and annual cumulative

 

 

The €11.300 billion improvement compared to October 2024 is primarily due to the performance of the energy sector. The deficit in this area was drastically reduced, from -€24.700 billion in October 2024 to -€17.000 billion in October 2025, easing the pressure on the overall trade balance.

 

In the cumulative period from January to October 2025, the the euro area It recorded a surplus of €144.600 billion, exceeding the €141.400 billion of the same period of the previous year. Trade intra-eurozone It also showed dynamism, rising to 2.199.000 billion euros, an increase of 1,6%.

 

 

The European Union reduces the manufacturing deficit

 

 

For its part, the European Union (EU) It posted a surplus of 14.700 billion euros in October 2025, compared to 3.100 billion in October 2024. Unlike the euro area, non-EU exports fell slightly by 0,6%, reaching 227.500 billion, while imports decreased by 5,8% to 212.800 billion.

 

Although the overall balance of the UE It declined compared to September 2025 (falling from 15.400 billion to 14.700 billion) due to the drop in the chemical surplus; a partial mitigation was observed thanks to the reduction of deficits in:

 

 

• Energy: The deficit decreased from -23.200 billion to -19.900 billion compared to the previous month.
• Other manufacturing: The deficit was reduced from -5.000 billion to -0.500 billion.

 

Data table: European Union (January – October 2025)

 

 

Concept	January-Oct 2025 (€ mm)	Variation vs 2024
Trade Balance	+ 116,7	Improvement (+0,4 mm)
Exports outside the EU	2.215,3	+ 2,6 %
Non-EU Imports	2.098,6	+ 2,8 %
Intra-EU Trade	3.465,6	+ 2,3 %

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the European trade balance

 

 

What factor was decisive for the increase in the surplus in October 2025?
Reducing the energy deficit has been key. In the eurozone, this deficit fell from -€24.700 billion in October 2024 to -€17.000 billion in 2025, boosting the overall positive balance.

 

How have imports performed in the eurozone?
Imports from the rest of the world fell by 3,6% in October 2025, reaching 239.600 billion euros, which helped to widen the positive gap with exports.

 

What is the trend in intra-European trade so far this year?
Internal trade is showing signs of health. Between January and October 2025, intra-eurozone trade grew by 1,6%, while intra-EU trade increased by 2,3%, exceeding €3,4 trillion.