The current account of the European Union’s balance of payments recorded a surplus of 49.6 billion euros, or 1.3% of GDP, in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the European statistics office Eurostat.
In this way, it was placed below €69.6 billion, which was 1.9% of GDP, in the previous period, and €125.4 billion between October and December 2020, which was €3.6 billion.% of GDP.
The positive balance of goods account decreased to 10 billion euros, compared to 53.8 billion euros in the previous quarter. The surplus in services increased to 54.1 billion euros, a jump from the previous quarter, which amounted to 26.8 billion euros.
The deficit in the secondary income account was 16.4 billion euros, slightly lower than the series comparison, where the three months to September showed a deficit of 16.5 billion euros.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, the UK was the main partner – the EU recorded a surplus of 46.8 billion euros with this country. It was followed by the United States (with a surplus of 24 billion euros) and Switzerland (another 22.6 million euros). Canada, Brazil and Hong Kong were about 5 billion euros.
At the same time, the European Union had a deficit with China of 43.5 billion euros, Russia, with 16 billion euros, and overseas centers, with 12.3 billion euros.
Also in the fourth quarter of 2021, direct investment assets in the European Union decreased by 13 billion euros.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
