The euro area recorded a stronger external trade position in September 2025 as the trade balance rose from a revised €10.6 billion to €18.7 billion. Exports rose by 4.7 percent from August, outpacing the 1.3 percent growth in imports. This created a larger seasonally adjusted trade surplus of €18.7 billion, up from €10.6 billion in the previous month. The monthly improvement suggests that European producers benefited from recovering global demand.

When compared with September 2024, the data show a similar positive trend. Exports increased to €256.6 billion, marking a 7.7 percent annual rise. Imports also grew, though at a slower pace of 5.3 percent, reaching €237.1 billion. The faster growth in exports than in imports indicates that the euro area is gaining relative competitiveness in international markets.

Overall, the figures suggest that external demand is helping to support the euro area economy at a time when domestic conditions remain mixed. A widening trade surplus may also ease some pressure on inflation and improve short-term economic stability. These latest updates take the RPI to 3 and the RPI-P to minus 6, meaning that economic activities continue to stay within the expectations of the bloc.

The merchandise trade balance measures the difference between imports and exports of goods. The level of the international trade balance, as well as changes in exports and imports, indicate trends in foreign trade. For the Eurozone, monthly data are available for trade in goods; statistics on services are released as part of the overall quarterly current account report. The headline trade data are not adjusted for seasonal factors and so should only be viewed in relation to the outturn a year ago. However, seasonally adjusted figures available elsewhere in the report do allow for monthly comparisons.

Changes in the level of imports and exports, along with the difference between the two (the trade balance) are a valuable gauge of economic trends here and abroad. While these trade figures can directly impact all financial markets, they primarily affect the value of the local currency dollar in the foreign exchange market.

Imports indicate demand for foreign goods and services. Exports show the demand for Eurozone goods in countries overseas. The euro can be particularly sensitive to changes in the balance since a trade deficit/surplus can create greater/reduced demand for foreign currencies. The bond market is also sensitive to the risk of importing inflation. This report gives a breakdown of EMU trade with major countries as well, so it can be instructive for investors who are interested in diversifying globally. For example, a trend of accelerating exports to a particular country might signal economic strength and investment opportunities in that country.