Czech trade surplus grows in May 2025

The Czech Republic recorded a trade surplus of CZK 13.3 billion in May 2025, an increase of CZK 2.1 billion compared to the same month last year, according to preliminary figures released by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO).

The improvement in the trade balance was driven largely by higher surpluses in motor vehicles, which rose by CZK 6.0 billion year-on-year. Additionally, the trade deficits in computer, electronic and optical products and in refined petroleum products both narrowed by CZK 2.8 billion.

However, the overall surplus was partly offset by lower surpluses in fabricated metal products and electrical equipment, which declined by CZK 3.4 billion and CZK 2.5 billion respectively. The trade deficit in crude petroleum and natural gas also widened by CZK 2.1 billion.

Trade with European Union member states contributed positively to the balance, increasing by CZK 4.2 billion year-on-year, while the deficit with non-EU countries narrowed by CZK 0.7 billion.

Exports in May rose by 2.0 percent year-on-year to CZK 389.8 billion, while imports grew by 1.5 percent to CZK 376.5 billion. May 2025 had one fewer working day compared to the same month last year.

“After three consecutive months where imports outpaced exports, May saw a reversal in favour of exports. The strongest growth was recorded in exports of motor vehicles and their parts, up CZK 5.2 billion, and electrical equipment, which increased by CZK 2.2 billion,” said Miluše Kavěnová, Director of the CZSO’s International Trade Statistics Department.

On a month-to-month basis, seasonally adjusted exports fell by 0.2 percent, while imports declined by 1.0 percent.

For the first five months of 2025, the trade surplus stood at CZK 116.2 billion, which is CZK 8.0 billion lower than in the same period last year. Over this period, exports rose by 3.7 percent, while imports increased by 4.4 percent.