In December 2025, eurozone goods exports rose by 3.4% year-on-year, while imports increased by 4.2% leading to a trade surplus that was lower than the previous year's.
Initial estimates for the eurozone indicate that in December of last year, the trade balance with the rest of the world resulted in a surplus of 12.6 billion euros, down from 13.9 billion euros at the same time the previous year. This decrease is largely attributed to a reduction in the surplus of chemicals and related products. Additionally, Eurostat reports that trade within the eurozone increased by 2% in January to December 2025, reaching a total of 2,627.6 billion euros.
In December 2025, the European Union experienced a surplus of 12.9 billion euros. During this period, the EU exported goods worth 214.8 billion euros to countries outside the EU, representing a 2.2% increase from the previous year when exports were at 210.2 billion euros. Meanwhile, imports rose by 3% compared to December 2024, totalling 201.9 billion euros, illustrating a continuing growth trend in external trade for the EU.
The increase in imports and exports highlights the eurozone's resilient economic activity, despite the noted decrease in the surplus. The shift in surplus levels across specific sectors, particularly in chemicals, may have broader implications for trade policy within the EU and how it reacts to global economic pressures. This situation underscores the importance of maintaining diversified trade relationships to cushion against sector-specific downturns in the future.
