In 2023, Germany led the European natural gas trade balance with 52.32 thousand metric tons, increasing 2.56% year-on-year. Italy followed with a share of 31.74 thousand metric tons, despite a 0.51% decline. France's share decreased by 5.52%, dropping to 16.04. Noteworthy growth was seen in Romania, increasing by 10.57%, while Poland saw a significant decline of 17.88%. Norway, as a net exporter, stands out with a negative trade balance of -72.26 thousand metric tons, showing no change year-on-year.
Future trends to watch include the potential impact of geopolitical tensions on supply routes, increased investment in renewable energy, and EU directives for reducing dependency on imports, potentially influencing natural gas trade dynamics. Monitoring these factors will be critical for anticipating shifts in trade balances across Europe.
Top countries in Natural Gas Trade Balance Share by Country (Thousand Metric Tons)
| # | 10 Countries | Percent | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Germany | 52.32 | 2023 | +0.92% | +2.56% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Italy | 31.74 | 2023 | -2.44% | -0.51% | View data |
| 3 | 3 France | 16.04 | 2023 | +0.77% | -5.52% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Netherlands | 13.21 | 2023 | +20.15% | View data | |
| 5 | 5 United Kingdom | 13.17 | 2023 | +1.94% | View data | |
| 6 | 6 Spain | 6.74 | 2023 | +5.84% | -5.88% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Austria | 6.27 | 2023 | +0.94% | +0.91% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Czech Republic | 4.77 | 2023 | +4.79% | +3.12% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Hungary | 4.23 | 2023 | +3.32% | +5.4% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Belgium | 3.8 | 2023 | +27.37% | View data |