Euro area records €10.3 billion goods trade deficit in September
Imports rose by 16.1 per cent from a year earlier, outpacing export growth of 6.0 per cent, Eurostat’s provisional figures show.
The euro area’s goods trade balance swung to a €10.3 billion deficit in September 2026 from a €13.5 billion surplus a year earlier, according to provisional estimates from Eurostat. The unadjusted shortfall was smaller than August 2026’s €16.6 billion deficit.
Goods imports reached €283.0 billion, while exports totalled €272.7 billion. Eurostat identified energy as the main contributor to the annual deterioration: its trade deficit widened to €33.0 billion from €20.7 billion. The machinery and vehicles surplus fell to €3.0 billion from €10.0 billion.
Across the EU, September’s goods trade deficit stood at €16.8 billion, against a €11.4 billion surplus a year earlier. Imports increased by 17.9 per cent to €256.9 billion, while exports grew by 4.7 per cent to €240.1 billion. The deficit was smaller than August’s €25.3 billion.
Over the first nine months of 2026, the euro area accumulated a €36.5 billion deficit, replacing the €102.2 billion surplus recorded a year earlier. The EU’s balance also turned negative, moving from an €85.5 billion surplus to an €83.2 billion deficit.
Seasonally adjusted figures showed a different monthly direction. The euro area deficit widened to €8.7 billion in September from €7.8 billion in August, while the EU shortfall increased to €14.6 billion from €13.2 billion.
Eurostat said the provisional figures used information submitted by member states before 10 November 2026.
