The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world in May 2024 were €241.5 billion, a decrease of 0.5% compared with May 2023 (€242.7 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €227.6 bn, a fall of 6.4% compared with May 2023 (€243.2 bn).

In May 2024 compared to April 2024, the euro area surplus slightly decreased from €14.2 billion to €13.9 billion (€-0.3 bn with respect to April 2024). This was due to a decrease of surplus for machineries and vehicles (€-1.7 bn) and chemicals (€-1.3 bn) partially offset by an increase in other manufactured goods (+€2.6 bn).

In January to May 2024, the euro area recorded a surplus of €84.9 bn, compared with €-21.0 bn in January-May 2023. The euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world rose to €1 194.5 bn (an increase of 0.5% compared with January-May 2023), and imports fell to €1 109.7 bn (a decrease of 8.3% compared with January-May 2023).

In May 2024 compared with April 2024, euro area seasonally adjusted exports decreased by 2.6%, while imports decreased by 0.1%. The seasonally adjusted balance was €12.3 bn, a fall compared with April (€18.5 bn).

In the latest three months of 2024, euro area seasonally adjusted exports increased by 1.0% while imports increased by 2.7%, in comparison with December 2023-February 2024. Similarly, EU seasonally adjusted exports and imports increased by 1.4% and 3.2% in comparison with December 2023-February 2024.