Brussels, Belgium. The euro area recorded a trade deficit of €1.9 billion in January 2026, according to Eurostat. Cyprus posted a significantly improved trade balance over the same period.
Euro area trade balance and flows
The euro area deficit widened from €1.40 billion in January 2025. Exports fell to €215.30 billion in January 2026, a decline of 7.6 per cent from €232.90 billion a year earlier, while imports declined to €217.20 billion, down 7.3 per cent from €234.30 billion in January 2025.
Monthly shift driven by machinery and vehicles
The monthly balance moved from a surplus of €11.20 billion in December 2025 to a deficit in January 2026, driven mainly by developments in the machinery and vehicles sector. The surplus in machinery and vehicles dropped from €13.20 billion to €1.60 billion.
Sector trends: chemicals and energy
Year-on-year, the deterioration was also linked to the chemicals sector, where the surplus fell from €24.60 billion to €16.70 billion. Over the same period, the energy deficit improved, narrowing from €26.20 billion in January 2025 to €19.20 billion in January 2026.
European Union figures
Across the European Union, a trade deficit of €5.90 billion was recorded in January 2026. This compared with a €5.40 billion deficit in January 2025 and followed a €12.30 billion surplus in December 2025.
How do you think sector-specific shifts such as machinery, vehicles, and chemicals can affect overall trade balances?
