Brussels:The euro area registered a trade deficit of £10.3 billion in goods with the rest of the world in September 2026, a significant shift from a surplus of £13.5 billion in September 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, Eurostat's initial estimates indicate that euro area exports to the rest of the world reached £272.7 billion in September 2026, marking a 6.0% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, imports rose by 16.1% to £283.0 billion compared to September 2025.
The trade deficit in September 2026 represented an improvement from a £16.6 billion deficit recorded in August 2026. This decline in the euro area balance was largely attributed to a wider energy deficit, which grew from £20.7 billion to £33.0 billion, while the surplus in machinery and vehicles reduced from £10.0 billion to £3.0 billion.
From January to September 2026, the euro area experienced a total deficit of £36.5 billion, contrasting with a surplus of £102.2 billion during the same period in 2025. Over these nine months, exports increased to £2,263.4 billion, a 2.4% rise, and imports increased to £2,299.9 billion, a 9.2% rise over the same period in 2025.
Intra-euro area trade also saw an increase, reaching £2,112.6 billion, a 5.7% rise from January to September 2025. The EU's overall trade balance showed a £16.8 billion deficit in September 2026, down from an £11.4 billion surplus in September 2025. Extra-EU exports rose by 4.7% to £240.1 billion, while imports increased by 17.9% to £256.9 billion compared to September 2025.
The EU trade deficit improved from £25.3 billion in August 2026, but the comparison with September 2025 showed a £28.2 billion deterioration. This was mainly due to a higher energy deficit, rising from £24.1 billion to £37.6 billion, and a reduced surplus in machinery and vehicles, from £13.1 billion to £3.3 billion.