EU agri-food trade surplus grows in July amid higher commodity prices

The EU agri-food trade surplus reached EUR 4.6 billion in July.  This was 19% higher than June, but lower than the same month last year. The total EU surplus for the first seven months of the year is EUR 26.5 billion. This is down EUR 12.2 billion compared to the same period in 2024, due mainly to higher prices for EU imports, in particular cocoa and coffee. 

EU agri-food exports reached €20.7 billion in July 2025, up 8% from June and approximately stable compared to July 2024. Since January, cumulative exports have totalled €139.4 billion, an increase of €2.7 billion (+2%) compared with the same period in 2024, largely due to higher prices. 

UK, US and Switzerland remain top destinations 

The UK remains the leading market for EU exports, with 23% of the total (€32.4 billion) between January and July. Exports to the UK went up by €1.4 billion (+5%), mainly driven by higher value of cocoa products, chocolate and dairy. The UK was followed by the US and Switzerland. 

By contrast, exports to China declined by €628 million (−8%) compared to 2024, mostly due to lower cereal volumes. Exports to Thailand also declined by €278 million (−28%), partly due to reduced exports of cereals. 

Cocoa and coffee lead export growth, while cereals lag behind 

Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices saw the largest increase in value, up €2 billion (+34%) between January and July compared to 2024, reflecting an 87% increase in prices for cocoa paste, butter and powder. 

Exports of confectionery and chocolate were up €1.2 billion (+19%), mainly due to a 29% increase in chocolate prices. Dairy exports rose by €725 million (+6%), driven by higher prices despite a 2% drop in volumes. 

On the contrary, cereal exports fell by €1.6 billion (−20%) over the same period, mainly due to lower volumes (−23%), particularly for wheat and maize. 

Exports of olives and olive oil increased by 19% in volume, but lower prices (−29%) led to a decrease in overall export value (−€671 million, −15%), though levels remain above 2023. 

Imports rise on high commodity prices 

EU agri-food imports reached €16.1 billion in July 2025, 5% higher than June and 10% above July 2024. Since January, cumulative imports were €113 billion, up €14.9 billion (+15%) compared to the same period last year, mainly reflecting higher prices for cocoa and coffee. 

Côte d’Ivoire remains largest growth source 

Imports from Côte d’Ivoire showed the biggest increase, up €2.2 billion (+59%) year-on-year, driven by growing cocoa prices. Imports from Canada rose by €1.3 billion (+93%) due to higher rapeseed, maize and wheat imports. By contrast, imports from Ukraine fell €1.2 billion (−16%) due to lower cereal imports. 

Coffee and cocoa prices remain high 

Imports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices grew by €9.2 billion (+57%) between January and July compared with 2024, due to higher prices. Cocoa prices nearly doubled, and coffee rose 58%. 

Imports of fruit and nuts followed, up €2.8 billion (+20%) due to 11% higher prices. Non-edible products rose €516 million (+9%), while confectionery and chocolate imports increased €480 million (+33%). Poultry and eggs rose €386 million (+28%). 

Conversely, imports of olives and olive oil fell by €565 million (−46%) amid lower prices and volumes.