Trade in services has experienced a remarkable rebound in the European Union in 2025, with exports of final services reaching an unprecedented level that is 61 percentage points above 2017 figures, as reported by Eurostat. This significant increase from the 55 percentage points noted in 2024 highlights a vigorous recovery for the sector, which had faced considerable challenges during the global pandemic.
Trade in: Final Services Drive Growth
The final services sector encompasses a wide array of economic activities, prominently including travel-related services, as well as substantial contributions from information and communication technology, media, computer services, business and financial services. The pandemic had previously inflicted severe disruptions on the international travel sector, causing a notable decline in final services exports throughout 2020 and 2021. However, the resurgence seen in 2025 indicates a robust recovery, signalling renewed confidence in the market.
Intermediate Services Show Resilience
While final services struggled during the pandemic, intermediate services proved to be more resilient. This category only saw a decline of 1 percentage point between 2019 and 2020, suggesting a more stable demand for these services during turbulent times. Following a peak of 68 percentage points in 2024, exports of intermediate services adjusted to 66 percentage points above 2017 levels in 2025. The intermediate category includes essential services such as information and communication technology, media, computers, business and financial services, alongside travel equipment, travel services, and postal services.
Record Highs in Imports
In tandem with export growth, imports of final services also reached a record high, climbing to 44 percentage points above 2017 levels in 2025. This increase reflects a broader recovery following the downturn experienced in 2020. Similarly, imports of intermediate services saw significant progress, peaking at 75 percentage points above 2017 levels in 2025, marking a 6 percentage point rise compared to 2024. The categories most frequently imported within intermediate services mirror those in exports, comprising information and communication technology, media, computers, business and financial services, as well as travel equipment and services.
Intermediate Goods on the Rise
Beyond services, intermediate goods also achieved new heights in 2025, reaching 48 percentage points above 2017 levels, a notable rise from 43 percentage points in 2024. The primary exported categories for intermediate goods included health, pharmaceuticals, education, cultural and sport services, as well as construction materials and household items such as furniture and electrical appliances. This growth underscores a robust demand for various goods as the EU economy continues to stabilise.
Trends in Imports of Intermediate Goods
On the import side, intermediate goods had peaked earlier, in 2022, when they reached 84 percentage points above 2017 levels. This earlier peak was significantly influenced by surging energy prices, which have since tapered off, causing imports to decrease to 47 percentage points by 2025. The most common categories for these imports included mining, quarrying, fuels, chemicals, electricity, and waste treatment services, indicating a varied demand for raw materials and essential services.
Economic Implications
The data reflects a broader trend of recovery within the EU economy as it emerges from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The growth in both exports and imports of services and goods signals not only a return to pre-pandemic levels but also a potential for further economic expansion. Stakeholders in the EU will likely view these trends with optimism, as they suggest a revitalised marketplace ready to embrace opportunities for growth.
Looking Ahead
As the EU continues to recover, the focus will need to remain on sustaining this momentum in trade. Policymakers and businesses alike will need to address any lingering challenges and adapt to the evolving economic landscape to ensure the ongoing success of trade in services and goods. The rebound seen in 2025 provides a strong foundation, but continued vigilance and strategic planning will be essential to navigate the complexities of global markets.
