The external EU chemicals trade surplus in 2006 was mainly attributable to North and South America (41%), other European countries (not belonging to the EU) (21.8%), Africa (11.7%) and Asia (8.7%). The EU chemical industry has a positive trade balance with all regions, although for Asia it should be added that the trade surplus with important countries like Japan and India is very small and with China the EU actually has a trade deficit. Additionally, the trade surplus with Asia is diminishing.