European Union records pharma trade surplus of €220.5bn in 2025

The European Union recorded a record trade surplus in medicinal and pharmaceutical products in 2025, according to a report from Eurostat.

Specifically, the figures showed that the EU exported goods worth €366.2 billion and imported €145.7 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of €220.5 billion.

Compared with 2024, exports rose by 16.0 per cent, increasing from €315.7 billion, while imports climbed by 21.0 per cent, up from €120.4 billion.

In terms of country performance, Ireland was the EU’s largest exporter of medicinal and pharmaceutical products to countries outside the bloc in 2025.

Irish exports reached €93.8 billion, followed by Germany with €67.9 billion and Belgium with €38.5 billion.

On the import side, Italy ranked as the largest importer from countries outside the EU.

Italian imports totalled €27.5 billion, with Belgium importing €24.7 billion and Germany €24.2 billion.

The United States was the main destination for extra-EU exports of medicinal and pharmaceutical products in 2025.

It accounted for 43.8 per cent of all exports, with a total value of €160.6 billion.

Switzerland was the second largest export partner, representing 16.3 per cent or €59.7 billion, followed by the United Kingdom at 5.6 per cent or €20.6 billion.

On the import side, most medicinal and pharmaceutical products entering the EU came from the United States.

Imports from the US accounted for 41.2 per cent, valued at €60.1 billion.

Switzerland followed with 28.4 per cent or €41.4 billion, while China accounted for 9.0 per cent, with imports valued at €13.1 billion.