EU agri-food exports stay stable while imports edge down
The European Union's agri-food trade surplus reached €34.7 billion in the first eight months of 2026. Exports held steady, while imports fell mainly because of declining cocoa prices.
The European Union's agri-food trade balance improved in January–August 2026, with the cumulative surplus reaching €34.7 billion, which is €4.1 billion more than in the same period of 2025. The figures come from the European Commission's agriculture department in its monthly trade report covering developments through August.
Exports
Total EU agri-food exports for the eight months came to €157.7 billion and were broadly unchanged year-on-year. Higher values in several product categories offset weaker exports of olive oil, pig meat and cocoa products.
Shipments to Türkiye rose by €320 million (+8%), mainly because of beef and veal. Exports to India increased by €253 million (+29%), driven largely by sunflower oil. Exports to Gulf countries returned to average levels in August after earlier disruption.
Worldwide exports of spirits and liqueurs grew by €583 million (+11%). By contrast, exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices dropped by €1.4 billion (-16%).
Imports
Cumulative imports stood at €122.9 billion, down €4.5 billion (4%) from a year earlier. The decline was largely due to lower import values from major cocoa-producing countries, as cocoa prices continue to fall. Imports from Côte d’Ivoire decreased by €1.4 billion (-22%), while those from Cameroon and Nigeria fell by 46% and 47% respectively.
Imports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices declined by €5.5 billion (-19%). Imports of fruit and nuts, however, rose by €825 million (+4%). Non-edible products for technical use, as well as margarine and other oils and fats, also recorded increases.
