Euro area international trade in goods surplus €24.1 bn | Eurostat
The first estimates of euro area balance showed a €24.1 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in March 2024, compared with +€19.1 bn in March 2023.
The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world in March 2024 were €245.4 billion, a decrease of 9.2% compared with March 2023 (€270.4 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €221.3 bn, a fall of 12.0% compared with March 2023 (€251.4 bn).
In March 2024 compared to February 2024, there was very little change in the composition of the trade balance by product. The only significant change was an increase in the surplus for ‘chemicals’ from €19.3bn in February to €23.3bn in March. As a result, the overall surplus increased.
In January to March 2024, the euro area recorded a surplus of €57.5 bn, compared with €-9.4 bn in January-March 2023. The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world fell to €705.0 bn (a decrease of 3.2% compared with January-March 2023), and imports fell to €647.5 bn (a decrease of 12.3% compared with January-March 2023). Intra-euro area trade fell to €650.8 bn in January-March 2024, down by 8.4% compared with January-March 2023.
The EU balance showed a €21.7 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in March 2024, compared with a €17.4 bn surplus in March 2023.
The extra-EU exports of goods in March 2024 was €219.6 billion, down by 9.5% compared with March 2023 (€242.6 bn).
Imports from the rest of the world stood at €197.9 bn, down by 12.1% compared with March 2023 (€225.2 bn).
When looking at the breakdown of the EU balance by product, the picture is similar to the graph of the euro area. In March 2024, the surplus recorded in ‘chemicals’ increased compared with February 2024, while the surplus for ‘machinery and vehicles’ decreased. Despite these fluctuations, the overall balance of the EU remained relatively stable in comparison to February 2024.
In January to March 2024, extra-EU exports of goods fell to €628.8 bn (a decrease of 3.3% compared with January-March 2023), and imports fell to €580.1 bn (a decrease of 13.4% compared with January-March 2023). As a result, the EU recorded a surplus of €48.7 bn, compared with a deficit of €19.2 bn in January-March 2023.
Intra-EU trade fell to €1 022.2 bn in January-March 2024, -6.9% compared with January-March 2023.
In March 2024 compared with February 2024, euro area seasonally adjusted exports increased by 0.1%, while imports decreased by 0.1%. The seasonally adjusted balance was €17.3 bn, an increase compared with February (€16.7 bn).
In March 2024 compared with February 2024, EU seasonally adjusted exports increased by 0.1%, while imports also increased by 0.1%. The seasonally adjusted balance was €14.1 bn, unchanged when compared with February.
In the first quarter of 2024, euro area seasonally adjusted exports increased by 0.5% while imports decreased by 2.4%, in comparison with the last quarter of 2023. Similarly, EU seasonally adjusted exports slightly increased by 0.3%, while imports decreased by 2.9% in comparison with the last quarter of 2023.
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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.
