Malta’s trade deficit in May 2026 widened slightly to €339.0 million, up from a revised €326.9 million in May 2025. Exports rose 26.6% year-on-year to €516.1 million, mainly supported by higher shipments of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (€88.7 million), as well as machinery and transport equipment (€30.9 million). These gains were partially offset by weaker exports of chemicals and chemical products.
Imports increased 16.4% to €855.1 million, driven largely by higher purchases of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (€170.3 million). This rise was partly offset by lower imports of machinery and transport equipment (€30.1 million), chemicals (€8.7 million), and food (€8.6 million).
Over the January–May period, EU member states accounted for 62.3% of Malta’s imports (€2.14 billion) and 32.0% of its exports (€659.5 million).
