In April 2025, the European Union's goods trade surplus with the rest of the world decreased to €7.4 billion, down from €12.8 billion a year earlier, driven by a 1.9% decline in exports and a 0.5% increase in imports.

The EU's trade surpluses with key partners such as Britain, Switzerland, and Mexico also declined, while deficits with China, Norway, and South Korea widened during the same month.

Exports of machinery and vehicles from the EU fell by 4.3%, alongside declines in raw materials and energy products, although exports of food, drink, and chemicals saw an increase compared to April 2024.

Despite the downturn in manufacturing, the EU labor market demonstrated resilience, with employment reaching 197.9 million and a slight increase in the employment rate to 76.1% in the first quarter of 2025.

However, the unemployment rate in the EU rose to 5.7% in the same quarter, with total labor market slack at 10.9%, highlighting ongoing challenges despite some consumer spending power.

The U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on EU exports, including a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum since March 11, a similar tariff on cars from April 3, and a 25% tariff on car parts from May 3, with metal tariffs doubling to 50% on June 4, 2025.

Reciprocal tariffs on most EU goods were initially set at 20% on April 5, 2025, but were quickly reduced to 10% until July 8, 2025.

Exports to the U.S. have shown consistent growth, rising each month since January 2024, with both exports and imports from the U.S. increasing for the fourth consecutive month in April.

In March 2025, EU exports to the U.S. surged by 59.5%, likely due to U.S. importers stockpiling ahead of the impending tariff increases.

The EU achieved a trade surplus of €17.7 billion ($20.4 billion) with the United States in April 2025, an increase from €16.6 billion in April 2024, despite ongoing U.S. tariffs.

EU goods exports to the U.S. reached €47.6 billion, while imports totaled €29.9 billion, indicating stable trade relations despite global economic uncertainties.

Industrial production in the EU fell by 1.8% in April 2025, with significant declines across various sectors, including non-durable consumer goods, capital goods, and energy output.