The EU’s agri-food trade surplus rises in the first five months of 2026

The latest report on EU agri-food trade published by the European Commission shows that, in the first five months of 2026, the EU’s agri-food trade surplus stood at €19.4 billion, €1 billion more than in the same period of 2025. The value of the EU’s agri-food exports totalled €96,900 million between January and May 2026, representing a 3 per cent decrease compared with 2025.

The value of exports to the UK (the main destination for EU agri-food exports) fell by 3 per cent, as the value of cocoa product exports declined due to falling prices (-45 per cent) and the value of cereal exports fell due to lower volumes (-30 per cent). The closure of the Strait of Hormuz from March 2026 reduced exports to the United Arab Emirates by 28 per cent in value, as well as to other Gulf countries with smaller trade flows. By contrast, exports to Egypt rose by 36 per cent in value, driven by wheat. Exports to Ukraine also grew by 11 per cent in value, with the largest increase recorded in spirits.

The cumulative value of imports fell by 5 per cent to €77.5 billion compared with the same period last year. This is mainly due to the decline in imports of cocoa products, cereals, and oilseeds and protein crops. The value of imports from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon and Guinea fell as cocoa prices continued to decline. By contrast, imports from Argentina rose by 10 per cent in value, mainly due to increased imports of sunflower seeds, whilst imports from Vietnam rose by 9 per cent in value, driven by higher volumes of coffee. Imports recorded the strongest growth in the fruit and nuts category (4 per cent by value). Overall, the EU’s agri-food trade remained resilient in the first five months of 2026, and the rise in the trade surplus highlights the sector’s continued competitiveness and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Further information: European Commission