Strong foreign demand for chemicals, food and manufactured goods drove an unexpected rebound in the euro area's trade balance in June, according to Eurostat data published Friday.
The euro area recorded a trade surplus of 8.6 billion euros, following a revised deficit of 9 billion euros in May. Analysts expected a deficit of 2.2 billion euros for the month.
"Compared with June 2025, when the balance stood at a surplus of EUR4.8 bn, the latest figure represented an improvement of EUR3.8 bn. In the presence of a larger energy deficit, this increase was primarily driven by a higher surplus in chemicals and related products, and by surpluses in other manufactured goods as well as in food and drink. The surplus of machinery and vehicles also slightly improved," the statistical office said.
Goods exports to the rest of the world jumped 14.4% year over year to 272.5 billion euros, while imports rose 13.1% to 264 billion euros.
For the European Union, the trade surplus amounted to 3.9 billion euros in June, against a deficit of 13.9 billion euros a month ago and a surplus of 5.2 billion euros in the previous year, primarily affected by a widening deficit in the energy group. EU exports climbed 12.5% on an annual basis to 241.5 billion euros, while imports grew 13.5% to 237.7 billion euros.
Among the EU's main trading partners, exports to India saw the largest year-over-year increase at 31.1%, helping narrow the trade deficit with the country.
In January, the EU finalized talks on a landmark free trade agreement with India that will slash tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports, a move expected to double European exports to the country by 2032. Designed to deepen ties amid shifting global politics, the pact still requires formal signing and legislative ratification by both parties before taking effect.
