Romania's trade gap widens as imports outpace exports in early 2026

Data released by the Institutul Național de Statistică indicate that Romania’s trade balance deteriorated in the first seven months of 2026, as the country imported more than it exported. Export volumes increased by a few percent over the comparable period in 2025, whereas imports grew at a slightly lower rate, widening the deficit. In July 2026, the monthly gap between imports and exports reached a substantial figure, reflecting the broader trend.

Transport machines and equipment continue to dominate trade flows, accounting for the largest share of both imports and exports. Manufactured goods also represent a significant portion of the trade basket, while chemicals show a pronounced imbalance with imports far exceeding exports.