The trade surplus within the Eurozone reached an unprecedented €36.8 billion in March 2025, a notable increase from €22.8 billion recorded in the same month the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by a substantial uptick in exports, notably to the United States, as buyers expedited orders to circumvent forthcoming tariffs. Eurozone exports soared by 13.6% year-on-year, achieving €279.8 billion, their highest recorded level, while imports grew at a more modest rate of 8.8% to €243 billion.
Within the wider European Union, the trade surplus also expanded to €35.3 billion from the prior €22.3 billion. EU exports saw a robust increase of 15.2%, totaling €254.8 billion. This growth was supported particularly by strong performances in the chemicals sector, which saw a 55% increase, machinery and vehicles at 6.5%, and food and drink, which rose by 5.6%. Exports to the United States notably surged by 59.5%, with increased shipments to Switzerland marking a 26.3% rise and the UK 4.8%.
On the import front, the EU acquired goods worth €219.5 billion, reflecting a 10.4% rise. This was driven by high demand in sectors such as food and drink, which increased by 25%, chemicals seeing a 23.8% rise, and raw materials at 15.5%. Notably, imports from China rose by 15.8%, those from the US by 9.4%, and from the UK by 5.4%.
