The first estimates of euro area balance showed a €7.8 bn deficit in trade in goods with the rest of the world in May 2026, compared with a surplus of €15.0 bn in May 2025.
The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world in May 2026 were €243.6 billion, an increase of 0.1% compared with May 2025 (€243.5 bn).
Imports from the rest of the world stood at €251.4 bn, a rise of 10.0% compared with May 2025 (€228.5 bn).
In May 2026, the euro area balance registered a deficit of €7.8 bn, down from a deficit of €1.2 bn in April 2026. Compared with May 2025, the latest figure showed a deterioration of €22.8 bn. This drop was primarily driven by a widening of the energy deficit and by reduced surpluses in machinery and vehicles, as well as in chemical and related products.
In January to May 2026, the euro area recorded a surplus of €3.3 bn, compared with +€78.7 bn in January-May 2025.
The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world fell to €1 214.2 bn (a decrease of 2.8% compared with January-May 2025), and imports rose to €1 210.9 bn (an increase of 3.4% compared with January-May 2025).
Intra-euro area trade rose to €1 156.7 bn in January-May 2026, up by 3.3% compared with January-May 2025.
European Union
The EU balance showed a €12.1 bn deficit in trade in goods with the rest of the world in May 2026, compared with a surplus of €12.7 bn in May 2025.
The extra-EU exports of goods in May 2026 were €215.7 billion, down by 1.1% compared with May 2025 (€218.2 bn).
Imports from the rest of the world stood at €227.8 bn, up by 10.8% compared with May 2025 (€205.5 bn).
In May 2026, the EU balance recorded a deficit of €12.1 billion.
Compared with May 2025, this represented a deterioration of €24.8 billion. The weakening was mainly driven by a larger energy deficit and by smaller surpluses in machinery and vehicles, as well as in chemical and related products.
In January to May 2026, the EU recorded a deficit of €15.9 bn, compared with +€70.1 bn in January-May 2025.
The extra-EU exports of goods fell to €1 074.4 bn (a decrease of 4.8% compared with January-May 2025), and imports rose to €1 090.3 bn (an increase of 3.0% compared with January-May 2025).
Intra-EU trade rose to €1 807.2 bn in January-May 2026, +4.3% compared with January-May 2025.
Annex – Seasonally adjusted data
In May 2026 compared with April 2026, euro area seasonally adjusted exports increased by 0.6%, while imports increased by 2.8%. The seasonally adjusted balance was €-5.0 bn, a fall compared with April (€0.8 bn).
In May 2026 compared with April 2026, EU seasonally adjusted exports increased by 0.7%, while imports increased by 2.5%. The seasonally adjusted balance was €-9.0 bn, a fall compared with April (€-4.7 bn).
In March-May 2026, euro area exports to non-EA countries rose by 5.0%, while imports rose by 9.4%. Intra-EA trade rose by 4.6%. During the same period, EU exports to non-EU countries increased by 4.4%, while imports rose by 10.3%. Intra-EU trade increased by 4.8%.
Source: Eurostat
