ISTANBUL

The European Union recorded a trade surplus in the fourth quarter of 2025, with goods exports surpassing imports by €28.4 billion ($31.2 billion).

This development marks a continuation of the positive trade balance established in the third quarter of 2023, following a period of deficits driven by high energy costs, Eurostat announced on Wednesday.

The statistical office indicated that the surplus is primarily fueled by a strong performance in the chemicals and related products sector, which contributes €49.3 billion.

Machinery and vehicles also played a significant role in the positive balance, adding €42.3 billion to the total figure.

Additional contributions came from food, drinks, and tobacco at €10.8 billion, as well as other goods at €7.1 billion.

In contrast, the energy sector reported a significant deficit of €62.7 billion during the same period.

Deficits were also observed in other manufactured goods at €11 billion and raw materials at €7.5 billion.

Data shows that both imports and exports registered decreases for three consecutive quarters, with imports down by 1.4% and exports falling by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter.