EU agri-food exports remain stable as positive trade balance increases
The EU agri-food sector increased its positive trade balance in the first eight months of 2026, the latest EU agri-food trade report published by the European Commission shows. With a cumulative surplus of €34.7 billion in value, the balance is €4.1 billion higher than for the same period last year.
Cumulative exports for this period totalled €157.7 billion, broadly stable year-on-year, as value increases across several product categories offset lower exports of olive oil, pig meat and cocoa products. Exports to India rose by 29%, driven largely by sunflower oil, while exports to Türkiye increased by 8%, mainly due to beef and veal shipments. Exports to Gulf countries recovered to average levels in August following earlier disruption. Among product categories, the worldwide value of exports of spirits and liqueurs rose by €583 million, about 11%. By contrast, the value of exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices fell by €1.4 billion, about 16%, driven mainly by lower prices.
Cumulative imports stood at €122.9 billion, down 4% year-on-year. The decrease was due largely to a fall in import values from major cocoa-producing countries as cocoa prices continue to fall, with imports from Cameroon and Nigeria decreasing by 46% and 47%, respectively, while those from Côte d’Ivoire fell by 22%. Among product categories, the value of imports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices fell by €5.5 billion, about 19%. By contrast, imports of fruit and nuts increased by €825 million, about 4%.
