Malta’s international trade flows continued to adjust towards the end of 2025, with official data pointing to a narrowing trade deficit alongside continued shifts in both import and export partners.

According to the National Statistics Office’s latest International Trade in Goods release, Malta recorded a trade deficit of €192 million in December 2025. 

Compared with the same month a year earlier, imports fell by €117 million, while exports increased by €60 million, contributing to the improved balance.

The data reflects ongoing changes in Malta’s sourcing patterns. The European Union remained Malta’s dominant import region, accounting for 61.5 per cent of total imports in 2025, equivalent to €5.66 billion. However, movements at country level indicate continued rebalancing within the bloc. The largest increase in imports during 2025 was registered from the Netherlands, while Italy recorded the sharpest decline, mirroring trends observed earlier in the year.

On the export side, Turkey recorded the highest increase in Maltese exports during 2025, reinforcing its growing role as a key non-EU destination. In contrast, the United States saw the largest decrease, reflecting weaker shipments compared with the previous year.

As in earlier months, exports remained more geographically diversified than imports, even as the EU continued to account for a substantial share of outbound trade. The diverging trends between Turkey and the United States highlight the sensitivity of Malta’s export performance to changes in demand for specific product categories, particularly industrial supplies, pharmaceuticals and specialised manufactured goods.

Overall, Malta’s trade position improved in December 2025, driven by a combination of reduced imports and stronger exports. However, the directional data suggests that Malta’s trade performance remains closely tied to sector-specific movements and shifting supply chain dynamics, rather than broad-based expansion or contraction.

These developments also reflect the inherently volatile composition of Malta’s trade flows, where re-exports and high-value goods can lead to pronounced year-on-year fluctuations. As global trade conditions remain uncertain, Malta’s international trade is likely to continue evolving through adjustments in partners, routes and sectoral demand rather than through uniform growth trends.