Brussels – The trade surplus of the European Union’s agri-food sector is on the rise. Despite a fall in export and import values, the trade surplus in the first five months of 2026 increased compared with the January–May 2025 period. The figures come from the European Commission’s report “Monitoring of EU agri-food trade: developments up to May 2026”. The key figure is that between January and May, the surplus for “Made in the EU” agri-food products stood at €19.4 billion, approximately €1 billion more than the previous year.
Since January, cumulative exports—statistical data obtained by adding up the value or volume of goods sent abroad over a rolling period—amount to €96.9 billion, a 3 per cent decrease compared with the same period in 2025 (–€3 billion). Among the reasons for the decline are the fall in the value of cocoa-based products, pork, and olive oil. In particular, olive oil exports have been affected by both lower prices and lower volumes.
The European Commission’s report also highlights that exports to the United Kingdom, the main destination for the EU’s agri-food exports, fell by 3 per cent (– €782 million), mainly due to a decline in exports of pork, cocoa products, cereals, and dairy products. By contrast, exports of rapeseed oil have almost tripled. In the case of Egypt, exports rose by 36 per cent (+€289 million), mainly thanks to an increase in wheat exports, while exports to Ukraine rose by €187 million (+11 per cent), driven mainly by sales of alcoholic beverages. Exports of nuts are also on the rise, worth €223 million (+8 per cent). This is thanks to increased exports of apples, kiwis, and raspberries.
Imports in May 2026 stood at €15.4 billion, representing a 7 per cent decrease compared with April of the same year, and a 10 per cent decrease compared with May 2025. Cumulative imports since January—that is, the cumulative total of the volumes or value of goods purchased from abroad—amount to €77.5 billion, 5 per cent less than the previous year (- €4.1 billion).
Although imports of some products have fallen, those from Argentina have risen by 10 per cent (+€220 million), mainly due to higher imports of sunflower seeds. Imports from Vietnam also rose by 9 per cent (+€213 million), driven by increased volumes of coffee. Imports of nuts and dried fruit rose by €465 million (+4 per cent), while those of beef and veal increased by €330 million (+28 per cent).
Consequently, the EU’s agri-food trade performance remained strong in the first five months of 2026. This result was welcomed by the Commission, which emphasised that “the continued expansion of the trade surplus highlights the sector’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and to maintain a strong position in global trade.”
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
