The eurozone is projected to have a trade surplus of €11.500 billion in February 2026.

 

In February 2026, the zona euro It achieved a trade surplus of €11.500 billion, driven by machinery and vehicles. Although exports fell by 6,7% year-on-year, the positive balance reverses the deficit of January, consolidating the recovery of the European trading bloc in the face of the global environment.

 

Evolution of foreign trade in the zona euro

 

The trade balance of the zona euro with the rest of the world it recorded a surplus of 11.500 millones de euros in February 2026. This figure contrasts with the €23.100 billion recorded in February 2025, reflecting a moderation in the year-on-year positive balance. exports of goods Exports totaled €232.400 billion, a 6,7% decrease compared to the same month of the previous year. Meanwhile, imports reached €220.900 billion, a 2,2% drop compared to February 2025.

 

Despite the year-on-year decrease, the February figure represents a substantial improvement compared to the €1.000 billion deficit recorded in January 2026. This change in trend has been driven primarily by the sector of machinery and vehicles, whose surplus climbed from 1.500 billion euros in January to 10.200 billion euros in February.

 

Commercial Indicator (zona euro)	February 2026	February 2025	% Variation
Exports outside the euro	232,4 billion €	249,1 billion €	-6,7%
Imports from outside the euro	220,9 billion €	225,9 billion €	-2,2%
Trade Balance	+11,5 billion €	+23,1 billion €	-50,2%

 

Performance of the Unión Europea and key sectors

 

In the set of Unión Europea (UE), the trade surplus stood at 9.100 millones de euros in February 2026, compared to €22.900 billion the previous year. Exports outside the EU fell by 9,3%, totaling €204.700 billion, while imports decreased by 3,5%, reaching €195.700 billion.

 

When analyzing sectoral behavior, the evolution of the energy balanceThe energy sector deficit continued its downward trend, improving from -€27.600 billion in February 2025 to -22.100 billion euros in the current period. However, the chemical products sector experienced a notable contraction in its surplus, falling from 28.700 billion to 14.800 billion euros in the last year.

 

Sectoral Concept (UE)	January 2026 (Balance)	February 2026 (Balance)
Machinery and Vehicles	+1,8 billion €	+11,5 billion €
Chemical products		+14,8 billion €
Energy		-22,1 billion €

 

Adjusted data and intra-community trade

 

In seasonally adjusted terms, both zona euro and UE They showed increases in their imports during February (3,5% and 3,6% respectively) compared to January 2026. However, the seasonally adjusted balance was 7.000 millones de euros for zona euro and 3.700 billion for the UE, figures lower than those recorded the previous month.

 

Finally, domestic trade within the region has also undergone slight variations. intra-euro trade It fell to 432.700 billion euros in the first two months of 2026, representing a decrease of 1,5% compared to the same period in 2025, while intra-EU trade remained more stable with a minimal drop of 0,3%.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the European trade balance

 

Which sector led the recovery to a surplus in February 2026?

The sector machinery and vehicles It was the main driver, increasing its surplus in the zona euro from 1.500 billion in January to 10.200 billion in February 2026.

 

How has the energy deficit evolved?

The energy deficit has shown steady improvement; in the Unión Europea It was reduced from -27.600 billion euros in February 2025 to -22.100 billion euros in February 2026.

 

What is the trend in exports and imports?

Both figures have decreased year-on-year. zona euroExports fell by 6,7% and imports by 2,2% compared to February of the previous year.