The European Union recorded a trade deficit of €21.8 billion in the second quarter of 2026, its first since the second quarter of 2023, according to figures released by Eurostat.
Imports of goods from non-EU countries reached €701.8 billion, exceeding exports of €680 billion.
The deficit was mainly driven by energy products, where the shortfall widened to €101.1 billion from €71.3 billion in the first quarter. Deficits also increased for raw materials and other manufactured goods, while surpluses in machinery and vehicles and other goods narrowed.
By contrast, the surplus in chemicals rose to €54 billion from €47.1 billion, while the food and drink surplus increased to €11.5 billion from €10.7 billion.
Compared with the previous quarter, EU exports increased by 5.4%, or €34.9 billion, while imports rose by 9.9%, or €63.4 billion.
Eurostat said exports and imports had been declining since the second quarter of 2025, partly due to tariff tensions, with the downward trend ending in the first quarter of 2026.
(Source: CNA)
