Romania Trade Deficit Expands to EUR 3.14 Billion in August, Highest in 20 Months

Romania recorded its widest monthly trade deficit in 20 months as import growth outpaced export gains in August 2026. The country's trade gap expanded to EUR 3.138 billion, up from EUR 2.635 billion in August 2025. Total imports grew by 13.7% year-over-year to EUR 10.692 billion, driven primarily by an 18.5% surge in purchases from non-EU countries alongside an 11.5% rise in EU imports.

Although overall shipments abroad increased by 11.6% to EUR 7.554 billion during August, strong domestic demand for foreign goods kept trade imbalanced. For the first eight months of 2026, the cumulative trade deficit reached EUR 22.445 billion. From January through August, exports grew 4.0% to EUR 65.825 billion, supported by gains in food and live animals as well as manufactured goods. Meanwhile, total eight-month imports rose 3.4% to EUR 88.270 billion, with mineral fuels and lubricants seeing a 14.5% uptick.

Moving forward, market watchers will track whether import growth slows or if trade imbalances continue to expand. Key developments in international energy prices and demand for machinery equipment across European markets will be critical factors determining Romania's upcoming trade balance trajectory.