In 2021, the value of total trade (import plus exports) of raw materials between the EU and the rest of the world reached €178 billion. Since exports (€71.3 billion) were lower than imports (€106.8 billion), this resulted in a trade deficit of €35.5 billion. Between 2002 and 2021, EU trade in raw materials almost tripled, equivalent to average annual growth of 5.6%. In this period, exports (6.5%) grew faster than imports (5.0%). (....)