In a significant development, the euro zone’s trade surplus with the world grew in February, with imports from China falling sharply.

The unadjusted goods trade surplus grew to $25.1 billion (23.0 billion euros) in February, compared with 18.5 billion euros a year earlier. Exports rose by 1.6%, while imports fell by 1.0%.

According to data from Eurostat’s site, exports from the EU to China were slightly lower than in February 2019, while imports were down by 8.1%.

Energy imports as a whole also declined by 9.6% in February, when comparing Jan-Feb data issued on Monday and January data from a month ago. That translated into 10.1% lower imports from Russia and 5.9% less from Norway.

Trade surplus with the United States, grew by 21% in February with a decline in imports.

The persistent trade surplus has been a source of tension in transatlantic ties.

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Tags: China, energy imports, EU, euro zone, Eurostat, falling, February 2020, goods, imports, Norway, Russia, trade surplus, transatlantic ties, U.S, unadjusted, United States, US