The euro area’s trade surplus with non-EU countries fell to €9.9 billion in April 2025, down from €13.6 billion a year earlier, according to Eurostat. This marks a sharp drop from March’s €37.3 billion surplus, largely driven by a 1.4% decline in exports to €243.0 billion. Imports remained steady at €233.1 billion.
A significant contributor to the decline was the chemicals sector. Its trade surplus shrank to €22.1 billion in April, nearly half of the €42.8 billion recorded in March. Additionally, the surplus in the machinery and vehicles category also fell year-over-year, further dampening the trade balance.
The broader European Union also experienced a trade surplus reduction. In April, the EU27 recorded a €7.4 billion surplus with non-EU countries, compared to €12.8 billion in April 2024. Exports rose 1.1% to €228.4 billion, but imports increased at a faster rate of 3.7%, reaching €221.0 billion.
Despite the weaker April figures, the first four months of 2025 indicate overall resilience. The euro area posted a €71.0 billion cumulative trade surplus, up from €68.6 billion in the same period last year. The EU’s year-to-date surplus reached €58.9 billion, slightly below 2024’s €63.7 billion.
Year-on-year, both exports and imports grew more than 5 percent across the euro area and the EU. This suggests that while sector-specific pressures have emerged, global demand has remained relatively strong so far in 2025.
The dollar index slipped below 97 as markets awaited delayed January jobs data, with weak retail sales and reports of China urging banks to cut US Treasury exposure adding pressure on the currency.
The dollar index stayed under pressure on Tuesday as fears of softer foreign demand for US assets, reports of Chinese banks cutting Treasury holdings, expectations of delayed US jobs and inflation data, and a firmer yen on intervention talk weighed on the greenback.
Precious Metals Rebound (09-13 February)Global markets began the week with the US dollar under pressure, falling under 97.5 for a second consecutive session. The greenback’s decline was fueled by a combination of improved risk sentiment and expectations of stable Federal Reserve policy with potential rate cuts on the horizon. Investors remained cautious as they awaited a backlog of delayed US economic data, including employment and inflation figures.
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