According to data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, Hungary’s foreign trade expanded significantly in September 2026. Exports reached EUR 16.2 billion, while imports amounted to EUR 15.3 billion. The foreign trade balance closed with a surplus of EUR 907 million, representing an improvement of EUR 266 million compared with the same period of the previous year.

The value of exports in euro terms increased by 21% year on year, while imports rose by 20%. Based on calendar-adjusted volume data, export volumes grew by 4.6% and import volumes by 5.4%.

Machinery and transport equipment provided the main impetus for growth

Machinery and transport equipment played a decisive role in the expansion of foreign trade. Export volumes in this product group increased by 9.9%, while import volumes rose by 18%. Exports of machinery and transport equipment alone contributed 5.7 percentage points to the change in total export volume, highlighting the importance of industries linked to automotive manufacturing, electronics and machinery production.

Terms of trade improved as the forint strengthened

A favourable development in Hungary’s foreign trade was the 1.7% improvement in the terms of trade. Export prices measured in forints increased by 7.7%, while import prices rose by 5.9%, positively affecting the purchasing power of export revenues relative to import prices.

At the same time, the forint strengthened by 6.8% against the euro and by 5% against the US dollar year on year, influencing both exporters’ revenue conditions and importers’ procurement costs.

Export-oriented industries continue to play a key role

The September expansion in Hungary’s foreign trade was driven primarily by the performance of major export-oriented industries, particularly the automotive, electronics and machinery sectors, once again underlining their importance for the international competitiveness of the Hungarian economy.

For the long-term development of Hungarian companies, it therefore remains essential to deepen their presence in existing export markets. At the same time, increasing importance should be placed on capturing opportunities in high-value-added, innovation- and technology-intensive segments and on diversifying their international market presence geographically.