Brussels: In the first quarter of 2026, the EU's seasonally adjusted current account of the balance of payments recorded a surplus of £113.4 billion, equivalent to 2.4% of GDP. This figure marks an increase from a surplus of £99.2 billion (2.1% of GDP) in the fourth quarter of 2025 and £104.9 billion (2.3% of GDP) in the first quarter of 2025.

According to Emirates News Agency, the goods account surplus decreased to £66.7 billion from £89.0 billion when comparing the first quarter of 2026 with the fourth quarter of 2025. Conversely, the services account surplus rose to £52.1 billion from £43.9 billion. The primary income account, which previously showed a deficit of £4.3 billion, turned into a surplus of £25.3 billion. The secondary income account deficit widened slightly to £30.7 billion from £29.4 billion.

During the same period, the capital account deficit increased to £3.8 billion from £3.2 billion. The non-seasonally adjusted data revealed that the EU had current account surpluses with several countries, including the United Kingdom (£72.8 billion), Switzerland (£38.7 billion), Brazil (£11.1 billion), Canada (£10.1 billion), Hong Kong (£6.9 billion), Russia (£3.5 billion), and Japan (£3.2 billion). However, deficits were recorded with China (£66.3 billion), the USA (£15.8 billion), offshore financial centers (£1.5 billion), and India (£1.1 billion).

Direct investment assets of the EU increased by £27.1 billion, while liabilities grew by £30.4 billion, making the EU a net recipient of direct investment from the rest of the world, with net inflows of £3.3 billion. Additionally, portfolio investment recorded a net inflow of £128.8 billion, whereas other investments saw a net outflow of £123.1 billion.