European Union (EU) external trade in services recorded a surplus of 56.9 billion euros (one euro equals about 1.31 U.S. dollars) in 2005, compared to 47.6 billion euros in 2004 and 38.5 billion euros in 2003, said Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU, on Thursday.

This increased surplus was mainly due to a higher surplus in transportation and in the "other services" category.

In 2005, the deficit registered for travel was slightly higher.