EU Agri‑Food Trade Surplus Grows to €15.6 bn Amid Export and Import Shifts

The European Union's agro‑food trade balance for January‑April 2026 showed a surplus of €15.6 billion, €233 million higher than the same period a year earlier. Export value totaled €77.6 billion, down 3 % year‑on‑year, with the United Kingdom remaining the top destination. Exports to Egypt rose 49 % on wheat shipments and to Ukraine increased 7 % driven by spirits, while shipments to the United Arab Emirates fell 25 % after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Imports fell to €62 billion, a 7 % decrease, reflecting lower purchases of cocoa, cereals, oilseeds and protein crops. Imports from Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon and Guinea declined as cocoa prices fell, and Ukrainian wheat imports dropped 71 %. Conversely, coffee imports from Vietnam grew 16 %, and fruit and nut purchases—including avocados and hazelnuts—rose 6 %.

Overall, the EU agro‑food sector remained resilient, with the stronger surplus offsetting weaker export volumes and a reshaped import composition.