EU agri-food trade surplus widens in July

The European Union’s agri-food trade surplus in July amounted to €4.6 billion, up 19% from June but below the same month last year. The cumulative surplus for the first seven months of 2025 reached €26.5 billion, down €12.2 billion from the same period last year. The main reason for the decline was rising import prices, primarily cocoa and coffee.

Exports

EU agri-food exports in July 2025 reached €20.7 billion, up 8% from June and remaining roughly at the level of July 2024. Since January, total exports amounted to €139.4 billion, up €2.7 billion (+2%) from the same period in 2024, driven by higher prices.

The UK remains the EU’s largest market, with a 23% share (€32.4 billion) in January–July. Shipments there increased by €1.4 billion (+5%), primarily due to the higher value of cocoa products, chocolate, and dairy products. The US and Switzerland follow.

Exports to China decreased by €628 million (-8%), primarily due to lower grain shipments. Exports to Thailand fell by €278 million (-28%), also partly due to lower grain exports.

The largest increase was in the coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices category, with a €2 billion (+34%) increase, reflecting an 87% increase in the price of cocoa paste, butter, and powder. Confectionery and chocolate exports increased by €1.2 billion (+19%), driven by a 29% increase in chocolate prices. Dairy exports increased by €725 million (+6%), despite a 2% volume decline.

Meanwhile, cereal exports decreased by €1.6 billion (-20%), driven by a 23% volume decline, particularly for wheat and corn. Olive and olive oil exports increased by 19% in volume, but a 29% price decline led to a €671 million (-15%) decline in export value, although figures remain above 2023 levels.

Imports

EU agricultural imports in July 2025 amounted to €16.1 billion, up 5% from June and 10% higher than the previous year. Since January, imports reached €113 billion, an increase of €14.9 billion (+15%) compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to higher prices for cocoa and coffee.

Ships from Côte d’Ivoire saw the largest increase, up €2.2 billion (+59%) due to higher cocoa prices. Imports from Canada increased by €1.3 billion (+93%) due to increased shipments of rapeseed, corn, and wheat. In contrast, imports from Ukraine decreased by €1.2 billion (-16%) due to reduced purchases of grains.

Imports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices increased by €9.2 billion (+57%), as cocoa prices nearly doubled and coffee prices increased by 58%. Fruit and nut imports increased by €2.8 billion (+20%). Inedible product shipments increased by €516 million (+9%), while confectionery and chocolate imports increased by €480 million (+33%). Poultry and egg imports increased by €386 million (+28%).

Meanwhile, olive and olive oil imports decreased by €565 million (-46%) due to lower volumes and prices.

Tags: export, EU, agricultural products, imports