EU cuts grain imports while increasing oilseed purchases from South America

EU agri-food exports rose by 5% month-on-month in July 2026 to €21.3 billion, while imports declined by 4% to €15.1 billion. Compared with July 2025, exports were 3% higher, while imports were down 6%.

The sharpest decline in imports was recorded in cereals. In January–July, the value of EU cereal imports fell by 11% to €4.76 billion. Wheat imports dropped by 32% in value terms, mainly due to lower volumes, while rice imports declined by 18%.

At the same time, the EU increased purchases of oilseeds from South America. Agri-food imports from Brazil rose by €528 million, mainly due to higher soybean shipments, while imports from Argentina increased by €240 million, driven largely by higher sunflower seed purchases.

In January–July, total EU agri-food imports were valued at €108.6 billion, down 4% year-on-year. Over the same period, exports reached €138.7 billion, 1% below the previous year’s level.

Overall, the structure of EU external trade is shifting: cereal imports are declining, while purchases of soybeans and sunflower seed from South America are increasing. This is strengthening the role of Brazil and Argentina as suppliers of oilseed raw materials to the European market.

Tags: grain, EU, oilseeds, South America