International trade in services of the European Union reached nearly €5.933 trillion in 2023, generating a surplus of €605 billion, according to data released by Eurostat.

Exports from EU countries totaled €3.269 trillion, while imports stood at €2.664 trillion over the same period.

Commercial presence drives the surplus

Among the different modes of service supply, commercial presence accounted for the largest share of the surplus, reaching €469 billion, or more than three quarters of the total.

It was followed by cross-border supply (€65 billion), presence of natural persons and consumption abroad, which contributed more modestly.

The United States, leading partner

In terms of commercial presence, the United States ranked as the EU’s main partner, with €486 billion in exports.

They were followed by the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

On the import side, the United States also led, ahead of the United Kingdom and Switzerland.