EU trade in goods records a growing surplus | Eurostat
In the first quarter of 2024, imports of goods from non-EU countries to the EU decreased by 2.9% compared with the previous quarter, while exports increased by 0.3%. This marks the second consecutive quarter of rising export levels, whereas imports have been declining for 6 consecutive quarters.
The EU balance for trade in goods rose from €31.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023 to €51.2 billion in the first quarter of 2024. The trade balance has shown a surplus for 3 quarters in a row, following a period of deficit from the fourth quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2023, primarily due to a high deficit for energy offsetting surpluses in other product categories.
In the first quarter of 2024, the surpluses recorded in machinery and vehicles (€65.7 billion), chemicals (€57.6 billion), food and drink (€15.7 billion), other manufactured goods (€4.8 billion) and other goods (€1.3 billion) outweighed the deficits in energy (-€87.7 billion) and raw materials (-€6.3 billion).
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Leah Gutierrez Appointed Director General for ADB's Central and West Asia Department
28.07.2025.10:03
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (28 July 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Leah Gutierrez as Director General for its Central and West Asia Department.
As Director General, Ms. Gutierrez will deliver ADB's strategic agenda in the Central and West Asia region. She will lead ADB's engagement with 11 countries: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Her appointment takes effect today.
"I am honored to serve in this position and will continue to engage with developing member countries and stakeholders to promote inclusive growth, regional cooperation, and sustainable development across the region," said Ms. Gutierrez.
