Eurozone trade surplus narrows less than expected

(Sharecast News) - The eurozone's trade surplus decreased in December, according to data out on Monday from Eurostat, but not as much as expected as imports rose strongly. The single currency region's trade balance with the rest of the world stood at €15.5bn in December, down from €16.0bn the month before.

That was lower than the €16.4bn surplus registered in December 2023 but above the consensus forecast of €14.4bn.

Goods exported out of the eurozone totalled €226.5bn during the month, rising 3.1% year-on-year, while imports into the region were up 3.8% at €211.0bn.

For 2024 as a whole, the eurozone recorded a surplus of €176.9bn, more than three times the size of the €57.4bn surplus recorded in 2023.