Czech foreign trade surplus narrows in June as vehicle exports lead

The Czech Republic's foreign trade balance for June showed a surplus of CZK 15.5 billion, slightly below the market consensus of CZK 17.2 billion. The biggest contributor was motor‑vehicle trade, which posted a surplus of CZK 65.7 billion, up CZK 3.8 billion year‑on‑year. Machinery and equipment followed with a CZK 14.8 billion surplus. These gains were offset by negative balances in oil and natural‑gas, base metals and chemicals. Overall, the surplus fell by CZK 11.5 billion compared with the previous year. Exports rose 11.2 % while imports increased 14.9 %, with higher vehicle, electricity and machinery exports being outweighed by larger deficits in computers and electronics, oil and gas, and other transport equipment. Analysts note continued volatility in energy prices, rising competition from China, and potential short‑term impacts from renewed Middle‑East tensions, but expect August to see easing of tensions and lower oil prices, which could support the Czech koruna.