Brussels: The EU recorded a trade deficit of £21.8 billion ($25.4 billion) in the second quarter of 2026, as non-EU goods imports exceeded exports, official data showed on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, goods imports from non-EU countries reached £701.8 billion, while exports stood at £680 billion during the April-June period. This marks the bloc's first trade deficit since the second quarter of 2023, ending a period of positive trade balances.

The trade deficit was driven primarily by an expanding energy deficit, which grew to £101.1 billion in the second quarter from £71.3 billion in the previous quarter. Deficits also widened in raw materials, reaching £9.4 billion, and in other manufactured goods, which rose to £9.1 billion.

Meanwhile, trade surpluses declined in key sectors, as machinery and vehicle surpluses fell to £23.2 billion, and other goods dropped to £9.1 billion. Conversely, chemical surpluses expanded to £54.0 billion, while food and drink surpluses grew to £11.5 billion.

Quarter-on-quarter, EU exports increased 5.4% or £34.9 billion, while imports surged 9.9% or £63.4 billion. The growth halted a continuous decline in trade since mid-2025 that was previously driven by global tariff tensions.