Italian agricultural sector sees rising cheese exports and mixed cereal trends

In the first half of 2026, the Italian agricultural sector showed divergent trends in commodity markets. Italian cheese exports reached nearly 350,000 tons, a 3.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. For the first time, export turnover for cheese exceeded 3 billion euros by mid-year. This growth was driven by demand within the European Union, particularly in Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland, as well as strong performances from Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, and mozzarella.

Regarding grain and oilseeds, data from Anacer and Istat indicate that imports of cereals, oilseeds, and protein flours rose by 1.3% in volume to 167,400 tons, though their total value decreased by 5.9% to 262.5 million euros. Specifically, soft wheat imports grew by 7.4% and durum wheat by 3.8%, even as their total value declined. Conversely, corn imports fell by 6.3% in volume and 10.7% in value. Rice imports also saw an increase of approximately 13.7% in volume.