Quick Summary
The European Union’s top exports and imports in 2026 are dominated by industrial goods and energy. The EU primarily exports machinery, vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products, reflecting its strength in high-value manufacturing. Its main imports include energy resources such as oil and gas, raw materials, electronics, and consumer goods, which support its industrial base and consumption. This trade structure enables the EU to maintain a consistent trade surplus, driven by strong exports that outweigh its reliance on imported energy and inputs.
Global trade is shifting, but the European Union (EU) remains one of the world’s most influential trading blocs. From industrial powerhouses like Germany to emerging exporters in Eastern Europe, European exports and imports continue to shape global supply chains in 2026.
Recent data from Eurostat shows that despite economic headwinds in 2025, the EU has maintained a trade surplus, highlighting the resilience of European exporters and the continued demand for high-value goods.
This article explores the latest trade trends, key countries driving performance, and a detailed breakdown of top European exports and imports.
The Current State of EU Trade
The EU’s external trade remains robust, even amid fluctuations:
- Extra-EU exports reached €214.8 billion in December 2025, rising year-on-year
- Imports stood at €201.9 billion, also increasing
- Resulting in a €12.9 billion trade surplus
While there were short-term declines in both exports and imports during 2025, the broader picture shows recovery and stabilisation heading into 2026. The EU also accounts for around 16.3% of global exports, reinforcing its position as a major hub for international trade.
Key takeaway
European trade remains surplus-driven, with strong industrial output offsetting rising imports from Europe’s global partners.
Top EU Imports and Exports by Country
Here is a comprehensive table showing the primary exports and imports for all EU-27 member states in 2026, giving a clear picture of trade strengths and dependencies.
| Country | Top Exports | Top Imports |
| Austria | Machinery, vehicles, metals | Energy, machinery |
| Belgium | Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery | Raw materials, chemicals |
| Bulgaria | Fuels, metals, machinery | Energy, machinery |
| Croatia | Machinery, food products, chemicals | Energy, machinery |
| Cyprus | Ships, refined petroleum | Energy, transport equipment |
| Czechia | Vehicles, machinery, electronics | Components, energy |
| Denmark | Pharmaceuticals, machinery, food | Machinery, chemicals |
| Estonia | Electrical equipment, wood products | Energy, machinery |
| Finland | Machinery, paper, chemicals | Energy, raw materials |
| France | Aerospace, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals | Energy, machinery |
| Germany | Vehicles, machinery, chemicals | Energy, components |
| Greece | Petroleum products, food, chemicals | Energy, machinery |
| Hungary | Vehicles, electronics, machinery | Energy, components |
| Ireland | Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tech | Chemicals, machinery |
| Italy | Machinery, vehicles, luxury goods | Energy, raw materials |
| Latvia | Wood, machinery, food | Energy, machinery |
| Lithuania | Refined petroleum, machinery | Energy, chemicals |
| Luxembourg | Steel, financial services-related goods | Machinery, energy |
| Malta | Electronics, pharmaceuticals | Machinery, fuels |
| Netherlands | Petroleum, machinery, re-exports | Energy, goods for redistribution |
| Poland | Machinery, vehicles, furniture | Energy, components |
| Portugal | Vehicles, textiles, machinery | Energy, machinery |
| Romania | Machinery, vehicles, electronics | Energy, chemicals |
| Slovakia | Vehicles, machinery | Energy, components |
| Slovenia | Pharmaceuticals, machinery | Energy, chemicals |
| Spain | Vehicles, food, chemicals | Energy, machinery |
| Sweden | Vehicles, machinery, timber | Energy, machinery |
Leading European Exporters by Country
Certain countries dominate European exports, largely due to advanced manufacturing and industrial capacity.
Germany
Germany continues to lead as the EU’s largest exporter:
- Key exports: automobiles, machinery, chemicals
- Strong trade ties with China and the US
Germany’s export strength reflects its role as the backbone of European exporters, particularly in high-value engineering sectors.
Netherlands
- Major hub for re-exports and logistics
- Key exports: refined petroleum, machinery, electronics
Its strategic ports make it a gateway for both exports and imports from Europe.
Italy
- Key exports: machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods
- Strong presence in global manufacturing and design
France
- Key exports: aerospace, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals
- Benefits from diversified export sectors
Belgium
- Key exports: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, diamonds
- Important logistics and distribution centre
Leading European Importers by Country
On the flip side, major economies also drive European imports, reflecting industrial demand and consumer markets.
Germany
- Imports: raw materials, energy, intermediate goods
- Critical for sustaining manufacturing output
Netherlands
- Imports large volumes for redistribution across Europe
- A key player among European importers
France, Italy, and Spain follow in third, fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Top EU Exports by Product
The EU specialises in high-value, industrial, and technology-driven goods. Top exports include:
- Machinery and vehicles
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Manufactured goods
- Agricultural products
Machinery and vehicles alone consistently generate a significant trade surplus, although slightly reduced in late 2025.
Top EU Imports by Products
The EU relies heavily on external suppliers for energy and raw materials. The top products imported by EU member states are:
- Energy (oil, gas)
- Raw materials
- Electronics
- Consumer goods
Energy imports remain a major contributor to trade deficits in specific sectors, although this gap has narrowed recently.
EU’s Top Trading Partners
The EU’s trade extends far beyond internal borders. Its global partners shape both exports and imports:
Top export destinations for EU goods:
- United States – machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals
- China – machinery, vehicles, manufactured goods
- United Kingdom – food, beverages, chemicals
- Switzerland – pharmaceuticals, machinery
- Japan – machinery, vehicles, high-tech products
Top sources of EU imports:
- China – electronics, machinery, textiles
- United States – aircraft, machinery, chemicals
- Russia – energy (oil and gas)
- United Kingdom – pharmaceuticals, machinery
- Norway – energy (oil, gas, minerals)
These partners are essential for both European imports and exports, impacting everything from energy security to supply chain resilience.
The Role of European Exporters and Importers
European exporters maintain high-quality manufacturing standards, advanced engineering, and a strong international reputation. On the other hand, European importers secure raw materials and energy, enabling the EU’s industrial base to function efficiently.
Together, they form a resilient trade ecosystem, balancing imports and exports across sectors and countries.
EU Exports and Imports: Driving Global Economic Growth
The European Union remains a dominant force in global trade in 2026. With strong industrial bases, strategic trade hubs, and a consistent trade surplus, European Union exports and imports continue to drive growth and global influence.
From Germany’s industrial power to the Netherlands’ logistical dominance, all EU member states contribute to a diversified and interdependent trade network, ensuring that European exporters and importers remain essential players in the international economy.
At Denholm Good Logistics, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of EU trade. Whether managing high-value machinery, pharmaceuticals, or consumer goods, our team ensures your shipments reach their destination efficiently, securely, and on time. Partner with us to simplify your European supply chain and stay ahead in a competitive trading environment.
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