Slovakia's trade deficit narrowed sharply to EUR 33.1 million in January 2026 from EUR 152.5 million in the same month last year, missing market expectations of a EUR 133.7 million surplus, as exports fell at a softer pace than imports. Exports declined by 2.8% year-on-year to EUR 8,355.7 million, marking the first drop in four months, mainly driven by a 2.7% decrease in shipments of machinery and transport equipment, including cars. Sales to the EU rose by 1.4%, while those to non-EU countries tumbled by 18.3%. Meanwhile, imports decreased by 4.1% to EUR 8,388.8 million, the largest fall since June 2024, with nine out of ten product categories recording declines. The drop was largely due to a 4.6% fall in purchases of machinery and transport equipment, including motor vehicle parts. Inbound shipments from the EU increased by 10.7%, while imports from non-EU countries fell by 25.7%.