Slovakia Maintains Trade Surplus in August as Imports Slow Down

Slovakia’s foreign trade balance remained positive in August 2025, as weaker import activity outweighed a slight decline in exports, according to the latest data from the national statistics office. The surplus marks the fourth consecutive month in which the country exported more goods than it imported.

Exports in August were broadly stable compared with the same month last year, while imports fell more noticeably, reaching their lowest level since the end of 2023. The drop in import volumes was enough to lift the trade surplus to roughly €225 million, up from around €90 million a year earlier.

Energy-related goods continued to show the sharpest declines on both sides of the trade ledger, reflecting reduced prices and lower volumes in global energy markets. By contrast, exports of manufactured items, particularly machinery, electronics, and consumer goods, helped stabilise the overall figures.

Industrial products and transport equipment still make up the majority of Slovakia’s foreign trade. These sectors accounted for well over half of total exports and nearly half of imports, underscoring the country’s continued dependence on industrial supply chains — particularly in the automotive sector.

The data also confirms that most of Slovakia’s trade remains within the European Union. Roughly four-fifths of exports were destined for EU member states, while about two-thirds of imports originated from within the bloc. Sales to EU markets increased slightly, but exports to non-EU countries slipped compared with a year earlier.

Over the first eight months of 2025, total exports grew modestly while imports rose at a slightly faster pace. As a result, the country’s cumulative trade surplus narrowed to around €1.6 billion from roughly €2.6 billion in the same period of 2024.

The August figures highlight the impact of weaker energy imports and uneven demand across European markets. While Slovakia’s industrial exports have remained resilient, sustaining the trade surplus will depend on whether its manufacturing sector can maintain output in a slowing regional economy.

Source: Statistical Office of the SR