Slovakia’s trade deficit narrowed sharply to EUR 33.1 million in January 2026 from EUR 152.5 million a year earlier, though it fell short of market expectations for a EUR 133.7 million surplus. The improvement came as exports contracted more mildly than imports.
Exports declined by 2.8% year-on-year to EUR 8,355.7 million, the first decrease in four months, largely reflecting a 2.7% drop in shipments of machinery and transport equipment, including cars. Exports to EU member states rose by 1.4%, while sales to non-EU countries plunged by 18.3%.
Imports fell by 4.1% to EUR 8,388.8 million, the steepest decline since June 2024, with nine out of ten product categories posting decreases. The overall drop was driven mainly by a 4.6% reduction in purchases of machinery and transport equipment, including motor vehicle parts. Inbound shipments from the EU grew by 10.7%, whereas imports from non-EU countries contracted by 25.7%.
