The Euro Area trade surplus narrowed to €12.4 billion in July 2025, down from €18.5 billion a year earlier, but slightly above market expectations of €11.7 billion. Imports climbed 3.1% to €239.1 billion, their highest level since March, driven by stronger purchases of food & drink (+9.3%), chemicals (+10.6%), and machinery & vehicles (+2.0%). Meanwhile, exports increased 0.4% to €251.5 billion, supported by rising shipments of food & drink (+2.8%) and machinery & vehicles (+3.5%), but weighed down by declines in raw materials (-4.7%), fuels & lubricants (-18.5%), and chemicals (-6.0%).