EU agri-food trade surplus reaches 30.1 billion euros

The European Union's agri-food sector reported a growing trade surplus of 30.1 billion euros for the first seven months of 2026, an increase of 2.9 billion euros compared to the previous year. This growth is driven by rising exports to markets such as Egypt (+22%, led by wheat), Ukraine (+10%, led by spirits), and Turkey (+7%, led by beef and veal). Conversely, total imports fell by 4.5 billion euros, largely due to declining cocoa prices, which reduced import values from Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Nigeria.

In Italy, the pasta industry remains a significant economic driver. The extended supply chain generates 24.6 billion euros in turnover and supports 78,000 jobs, contributing 0.6% to the national GDP. Italian agri-food exports reached a record 72 billion euros in 2025. While tariffs in the United States impacted wine and oil, pasta continues to thrive, reaching over 200 international markets, including major economies like Germany, France, and the UK.