According to data released by Eurostat, during the second quarter of this year, China remained the most important supplier for the European Union (EU). The volume of goods sold by China to the community market reached 153.6 billion euros between April and June, representing 21.9% of the total European imports, which corresponds to an increase of 7.9%.
The United States was the second largest supplier to the EU, contributing 98.7 billion euros (14.1%). Other relevant suppliers included the United Kingdom, with 43.4 billion euros (6.2%); Switzerland, with 36.9 billion euros (5.3%); and Turkey, with 25.5 billion euros (3.6%).
Overall, the EU imported 701.8 billion euros in goods from countries outside the bloc in the second quarter, an increase of 11.7% compared to the same period in 2025. Compared to the immediately preceding quarter, imports registered a growth of 9.9%.
Regarding exports, the United States remained the main market for European products, although it showed a year-on-year drop of 5.6%, with purchases valued at 127.7 billion euros, equivalent to 18.8% of total EU exports.
The United Kingdom held the second position as the main destination, with 92.7 billion euros (13.6%). Switzerland received 60.5 billion euros (8.9%), followed by China, with 50.3 billion euros (7.4%), and Turkey, with 27.3 billion euros (4.0%), as reported by Eurostat.
Sales to Switzerland showed the largest advance, growing 16.1% compared to the second quarter of 2025. Exports to the United Kingdom rose by 5.6%, while sales to China grew by 2.8%. Conversely, besides the reduction in sales to the United States, community transactions with Turkey decreased by 4.9%.
Globally, the EU exported 680 billion euros in goods in the second quarter of 2026. This amount represents an increase of 4.5% compared to the second quarter of 2025 and a growth of 5.4% compared to the first quarter of the current year.