According to the latestEurostat figures published on 16 July, European exports to the rest of the world in the 2025 technology sector showed a slight improvement. Goods exported by the European Union to the rest of the world totalled €216.9 billion, compared with €216.8 billion a year earlier, representing a modest increase of 0.1%. This positive trend, in a global economic climate that remains unstable, is mainly due to the strength of the technology sector.
Europe’s trade balance is also showing encouraging signs, with a surplus of €13.1 billion in May 2025, compared with €8.9 billion a year earlier.
Why are European 2025 exports back on the rise?
The gradual recovery in European exports in 2025 is largely due to the good performance of machinery and vehicles, as well as chemicals. The technology sector, in particular, is doing well.
Demand is growing for semiconductors, electronic components and equipment linked to digital technologies and the green industry. This momentum is underpinned by growing global needs in the fields of electromobility, green technologies and digital infrastructures. Exports of machinery and vehicles rose from €12.1 billion to €12.9 billion, while chemical products reached €23.2 billion (compared with €20.2 billion a year earlier), boosted by international demand for pharmaceutical and industrial solutions.
Falling imports: leverage for the surplus
At the same time, European imports fell by 2% year-on-year to 203.8 billion euros in May. This contraction had a mechanical effect on the overall trade balance, which improved further.
In the eurozone, the trade surplus climbed to €16.2 billion, up €3.5 billion year-on-year. This trend reflects not only more stable external demand, but also more buoyant international trade in high value-added sectors.
A still fragile economic environment
Despite these positive signs, the recovery remains fragile. The EU’s external trade remains exposed to a number of risks:
- Trade tensions with the United States and China
- Fluctuations in commodity prices
- Uncertainties linked to energy and global geopolitics
Some sectors, such as steel and agri-food, are still struggling to regain a sustained export momentum.
However, the rise of green technologies, components for electric vehicles and digital infrastructures is creating a buoyant dynamic in certain strategic industrial segments.
Key trends to watch in the coming months
Key export zones such as China, the United States and the United Kingdom remain the main growth drivers for European companies. The performance of the technology sector in these markets will be key to consolidating the recovery. It should be noted that the surplus in high-tech products could grow further if investment in innovation continues and supply chains remain stable.
The technology sector, driving growth in 2025
The recovery in European exports in 2025, albeit moderate, illustrates the resilience of certain industrial sectors, particularly in technology. The economic context remains uncertain, but the signals sent out byEurostat ‘s statisticsfor May 2025 point to a gradual stabilisation.
The coming months will be crucial in confirming this trend. Europe will not only have to consolidate its positions in electronic components and industrial machinery, but also anticipate the impact of new international regulations on its trade flows.
