EU agri-food trade surplus expands in February 2026
The latest EU agri-food trade report published by the European Commission showed that in February 2026, the EU agri-food trade surplus grew to €4.4 billion, marking a 43% increase compared with January. The cumulative EU agri-food trade surplus remained stable at €7.4 billion, in line with the same period in 2025, despite softer performance in some sectors. On balance, the EU agrifood trade remains stable with a solid trade balance offsetting softer performance in some product categories.
While both exports and imports saw slight declines compared with 2025, lower import values contributed to an improved monthly trade balance.
The EU agri-food exports reached €18.8 billion, up 6% month-on-month but down 4% year-on-year. Cumulative exports in the January–February 2026 period stood at €36.5 billion, a 5% decrease (−€2.1 billion) compared with the same period in 2025. The UK remained the top export destination, though shipments declined by €336 million (−4%), driven by lower values and volumes in pigmeat and cereals. In general, fruit and nut exports rose by 8%, led by apples and pears, while non-edible products saw a 10% increase.
EU agri-food imports fell to €14.5 billion in February 2026, down 1% month-on-month and 5% year-on-year, with cumulative imports for the period January–February 2026, declining by 7% (−€2.2 billion) compared with 2025. The biggest import declines were in cocoa products, cereals, and oilseeds. Whereas imports of beef and veal, fruits and nuts, as well as margarine and other oils and fats recorded increases. The largest drop came from imports from Côte d’Ivoire falling by 29% (−€498 million). By contrast, imports from Vietnam increased by €214 million (+31%), largely due to higher coffee imports.
