EU cereal imports decline by 10%

The European Union reduced the value of its cereal imports by 10% year over year in January–August 2026 to €5.48 bln. According to the European Commission, the decline was mainly driven by lower purchases of wheat and rice. Overall, EU agri-food imports fell by 4% in value during the first eight months of the year compared with the same period in 2025.

Wheat imports recorded the largest decline, with their value falling by €548 mln, or 34%. The decrease was primarily driven by lower physical import volumes. Meanwhile, the value of rice imports declined by €212 mln, or 16%, reflecting both reduced volumes and lower prices. These two commodities accounted for the largest share of the decline in the EU’s cereal import value.

In August 2026, total EU agri-food imports reached €13.9 bln, down 9% from July and 3% below the level recorded in August 2025. In addition to cereals, lower dairy imports and declining global cocoa prices contributed to the decrease in import value. These developments affected the overall performance of EU agri-food trade.

Meanwhile, EU agri-food exports totaled €19 bln in August. Although this represented an 11% decline from July, exports remained 7% higher than in August 2025. Shipments of cocoa products, pigmeat and olive oil decreased, while exports of certain animal products, vegetable oils for technical use, fruit and nuts increased. Overall, the value of EU agri-food exports in January–August remained broadly stable year over year.

The EU’s agri-food trade surplus stood at €5.1 bln in August, down 14% from July but 45% higher than a year earlier. During the first eight months of 2026, the cumulative trade surplus widened to €34.7 bln, exceeding the previous year’s level by €4.1 bln. The increase was supported by lower import costs, particularly due to declining cocoa prices and reduced cereal purchases.

Tags: grain, EU, rice, wheat, imports