EU agrifood trade remains stable despite rising prices

The United Kingdom led imports , accounting for €27.6 billion (+€1.2 billion, +5%), driven by high cocoa and chocolate prices . it was followed by the United States and Switzerland . In contrast, exports to CHINA fell by €670 million (-10%) due to lower demand for grains, while exports to Thailand fell by €242 million, partly for the same reason.

EU agricultural imports in June amounted to €15.3 billion, down 10% from May but still 15% higher than the same period last year. From January to June, total imports reached €96.8 billion, an increase of €13.5 billion (+16%) compared to the same period last year. High commodity prices contributed significantly to this increase.

During this period, the largest increase was recorded in Côte d'Ivoire (+2 billion euros, +66%), driven by high cocoa prices. CANADA followed (+1.2 billion euros, +101%), thanks to increased imports of grains and rapeseed. Imports from China increased by 946 million euros (+22%), and from Brazil by 838 million euros (+10%). In contrast, imports from Ukraine decreased by 891 million euros (-13%), and imports from RUSSIA by 566 million euros (-73%).

The EU's agricultural trade surplus reached €3.8 billion in June, up 32% from May. However, the surplus for the first half of 2025 was €21.9 billion, down €10.9 billion (-33%) from the same period in 2024 , reflecting rising import costs.