The Euro Area posted a €7.8 billion trade deficit in May 2026, compared with a €15 billion surplus in May 2025 and worse than market expectations of a €1.6 billion gap. This marked the largest monthly trade shortfall since April 2023, as exports of goods increased by just 0.1% to €243.6 billion, while imports jumped by 10% to €251.4 billion. Considering the first five months of the year, the bloc's trade surplus shrank to €3.3 billion from €78.7 billion a year ago.