The bloc went from a €90.9 billion surplus in the first eight months of 2025 to a €5.4 billion deficit in the same period this year.
The monthly reading was also negative: August's €16.1 billion shortfall followed a €10.7 billion surplus in July. In August 2025, the bloc had recorded a €1.7 billion deficit. Goods exports reached €227.7 billion, up 9.9% year over year; imports were higher at €243.8 billion after a 16.7% increase.
For machinery and vehicles, a €7.2 billion surplus in August 2025 became a €700 million deficit this August. The energy balance worsened by €5.4 billion year over year, leaving a €26.7 billion deficit in August.
Seasonally adjusted, the balance fell by €8.2 billion month over month, from July's €1.4 billion surplus to a €6.8 billion shortfall. The unadjusted figure was a €16.1 billion deficit.
