EU trade surplus drops 60% as exports to the US fall due to tariffs

The European Union’s trade surplus with the rest of the world fell by 60% in February, driven by a sharp decline in exports to the United States, which were impacted by 15% import tariffs on various European products.

The bloc’s exports decreased by 9.3% compared to the same period last year, while imports fell by 3.5%, according to Eurostat.

The largest drop in exports was to the US (-26.4%), while imports from the country declined by 3.2%. Exports to China also contracted.

Part of this decline can be explained by a front-loading of shipments in early 2025, when exporters rushed to get ahead of tariffs imposed by the administration of Donald Trump.

In February 2025, exports to the US had increased by 22.4% year-on-year.

On February 20, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the broad tariffs implemented by Trump. However, just days later, the country announced a new temporary global import tariff and plans to restructure tariffs to replicate previous agreements with the European Union.

Source: Folha de S. Paulo

Sharing is caring!