Filenews 24 September 2025
EU agri-food trade remained strong in June 2025, according to a new Commission report, despite increased import prices that curtailed the trade surplus compared to 2024.
Exports amounted to €19.1 billion, recording a drop of 4% compared to May, but remaining 2% higher than in June 2024. In the first half of 2025, total exports stood at €118.7 billion, marking an increase of €2.6 billion. (+2%) on an annual basis.
The United Kingdom was the largest destination with exports worth €27.6 billion. (+5%), mainly due to the high prices of cocoa and chocolate. In contrast, exports to China decreased by €670 million. (−10%), due to low demand for cereals, while negative performance was also recorded in Thailand (−€242 million).
Cocoa and coffee products continued to support growth, with exports increasing by €1.8 billion. (+38%) due to an almost doubling of cocoa prices and a 30% increase in coffee. Chocolate and confectionery rose +20%, while dairy exports increased by €635 million. (+7%).
In contrast, cereal exports decreased by €1.5 billion. (−22%), due to a 27% drop in volumes, while olive oil and olive exports fell by €572 million. (−15%).
In imports, June recorded a decrease of 10% compared to May, to €15.3 billion, but on an annual basis they remain 15% higher. In the first half of the year, they amounted to €96.8 billion. (+16%).
The largest increase was recorded by Côte d'Ivoire (+66%), due to cocoa prices, while imports from Canada (+101%), China (+22%) and Brazil (+10%) also recorded a significant increase. In contrast, imports from Ukraine (−13%) and Russia (−73%) decreased.
High commodity prices are largely responsible for the overall increase, with coffee, cocoa, fruits, and nuts driving the upward trend.
The EU's trade surplus stood at €3.8 billion in June (+32% on May). However, in the six-month period it was limited to €21.9 billion, down 33% compared to 2024, due to increased import costs.
