Economy 3 min read By Alice Ashford
Romania’s trade deficit narrows slightly in first seven months
Romania’s trade deficit fell 1.1% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026 to €19.27 billion, as exports grew faster than imports, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
Romania’s trade deficit narrowed modestly in the first seven months of 2026, as export growth outpaced the rise in imports, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The FOB/CIF balance of trade stood at €19.27 billion between January and July, down 1.1% — or €214.7 million — compared with the same period in 2025. Exports on an FOB basis totalled €58.26 billion, while CIF imports reached €77.54 billion.
The figures point to a gradual improvement in the external position, driven by a 3.1% increase in exports against a 2% rise in imports over the interval. The data covers the cumulative performance of the first seven months and reflects the latest available statistics from the INS.
In July alone, the trade balance continued to show the effects of the broader trend, although the INS did not provide a standalone monthly breakdown in the same release. The annual comparison shows that the deficit reduction, while positive, remains relatively small in the context of Romania’s overall trade volumes.
The narrowing of the trade gap comes amid ongoing concerns about the country’s external imbalances and their impact on economic stability. Analysts have closely monitored the trajectory of exports and imports as indicators of competitiveness and domestic demand.
The figures are part of a regular series published by the INS, which tracks the evolution of Romania’s commercial exchanges with foreign partners. The data is used by policymakers and market participants to assess the health of the external sector and to inform decisions on fiscal and monetary policy.
Romania’s trade deficit has been a persistent feature of its economic landscape, reflecting a structural reliance on imports for energy, machinery, and consumer goods. The slight improvement in the first seven months of 2026 suggests that export-oriented industries are gaining some ground, though the overall gap remains substantial.
The INS data is based on customs declarations and covers all goods traded across Romania’s borders. The FOB (free on board) and CIF (cost, insurance, freight) terms are standard international conventions used to value exports and imports respectively.
