EU 2019 imports and exports of PPE now subject to export restrictions

The PPE imports and exports targeted by the second regulation IR 2020/568 (April) relate to the three PPE types most needed. Figure 2 illustrates total EU imports and exports of the goods subject to export authorisation.
Overall, the EU is a net importer of these goods, which represent 0.36 % of EU total imports, with protective garments taking up the largest share (71 %). The net trade deficit is €3.15 billion, representing 0.023 % of EU GDP (€13 923 billion in 2019). These results contrast with those previously reported about EU trade with non-EU countries showing that the EU is a large net exporter overall, net exports amounting to €123 billion (0.9 % of EU GDP).