Brussels, September 5, 2023 - According to data released by the European Union's statistical office on the 28th of September, the European Union has returned to a trade surplus in the second quarter of 2023 after experiencing six consecutive quarters of trade deficits. However, this reversal was accompanied by a decline in both exports and imports, with energy prices playing a pivotal role in shaping this economic landscape.
The latest trade data reveals that in the second quarter of 2023, European Union exports fell by 2.0%, and imports dropped by 3.5%, resulting in a trade surplus of €10 billion. This figure represents a significant improvement compared to the record-breaking trade deficit of €155 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
The data highlights a substantial decrease in energy imports from non-EU countries, down by 15.6% compared to the first quarter of 2023. Additionally, raw material imports experienced a 10.9% decline. On the export front, all trade sectors, except machinery and vehicles, witnessed a downturn, with energy and raw materials exports experiencing the most substantial declines.
Specifically, the trade surplus for food, beverages, and tobacco amounted to €15.6 billion, while the surplus for chemicals reached €48.5 billion. Machinery and vehicle trade surplus reached €52.4 billion, marking continuous growth for the third consecutive quarter. The trade deficit for energy products decreased from €115.3 billion in the first quarter to €100 billion.
The escalation of the Ukraine crisis led the European Union to implement a comprehensive set of economic sanctions against Russia. However, the EU experienced a backlash from these sanctions, as energy and commodity prices surged, leading to a significant increase in imports and resulting in a substantial trade deficit.
The fluctuations in energy prices have undoubtedly been a driving factor in the European Union's trade dynamics during this period. The EU continues to closely monitor and adapt to these economic shifts, striving for stability and sustainable growth in the face of evolving global challenges.
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