The European goods trade surplus fell to 12.7 billion euros in the first quarter of 2026

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Brussels, 26 May / WAM / The European Union recorded a surplus in goods trade with non-member countries worth 12.7 billion euros during the first quarter of 2026, compared to 23.6 billion euros during the last quarter of 2025, according to the latest European data, which reflects a sharp decline in the trade balance despite continuing to record a positive surplus for the eleventh consecutive quarter since the third quarter of 2023.

According to official data, this decline is mainly due to a decrease in the surplus of the machinery and vehicles sector from 39.8 billion euros to 27.8 billion euros, in addition to the widening of the energy products deficit from 64 billion euros to 72.2 billion euros during the same period.

On the other hand, the decrease in the deficit in the “other manufactured goods” category, from 10.9 billion euros to 5 billion euros, in addition to the increase in the surplus in the “other goods” category from 7.2 billion euros to 11.5 billion euros, contributed to partially limiting the decline in the trade balance.

The data also showed a contraction in European Union exports by 0.1% during the first quarter of 2026, the fourth consecutive quarterly decline, in light of continuing tensions related to customs duties and global trade, while imports rose by 1.7% after three consecutive quarters of decline.

This development comes after a period of sharp trade deficits between late 2021 and mid-2023, which was mainly affected by rising energy costs in Europe.