EU chemicals trade surplus reached €257 billion in 2025
The European Union recorded a €257 billion trade surplus in chemicals and related products in 2025. Exports reached €605 billion, while imports totalled €348 billion.
The figures show how important chemicals, pharmaceuticals and related products remain to the EU’s external trade.
Both exports and imports increased by 7% compared with 2024, while sold production across the EU reached €836 billion.
EU chemicals trade surplus reached €257 billion
According to Eurostat, EU exports of chemicals and related products to non-EU countries rose from €563 billion in 2024 to €605 billion in 2025.
Imports increased from €324 billion to €348 billion over the same period.
Germany and Ireland were the largest exporters
Germany exported €130 billion of chemicals to non-EU markets, followed by Ireland at €115 billion. Belgium, Italy and France were also among the five largest exporters.
The United States was the biggest destination
EU chemical exports to the United States were worth €206 billion in 2025. Switzerland, the United Kingdom, China and Türkiye were also major destinations.
Why the sector matters
The Eurostat category includes pharmaceuticals, organic and inorganic chemicals, fertilisers, plastics and other chemical products. Its large trade surplus makes the sector an important contributor to the EU’s industrial and export performance.
