In 2020, the EU spent €11.2 billion on imports of green energy products (these include wind turbines, solar panels and liquid biofuels) from countries outside the EU. Meanwhile, the EU exported green energy products worth around half this amount (€5.8 billion) to countries outside the EU.
Specifically, the EU imported €8.0 billion worth of solar panels, €2.9 billion worth of liquid biofuels and €0.3 billion worth of wind turbines from countries outside the EU. The value of imports of solar panels and liquid biofuels was much greater than the corresponding value of EU exports of these goods to countries outside the EU (exports amounted to €1.8 billion and €1.6 billion, respectively). In contrast, the value of exports of wind turbines to non-EU countries was far greater than the value of imports (€2.3 billion).
Source dataset: DS-645593
Compared with 2015, the values of imports of solar panels, liquid biofuels and wind turbines into the EU were all significantly higher in 2020, with increases of 250%, 60% and 330% respectively.
In 2020, the value of the EU’s exports of wind turbines and solar panels was down by 1% and 40% respectively compared with 2015. In contrast, the value of exports of liquid biofuels increased by 150% compared with 2015.
Source dataset: DS-645593
For more information:
- Statistics explained article on international trade in products related to green energy
- Database on international trade in goods
- Dedicated section on international trade in goods
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