The EU’s agri-food sector recorded a stronger trade surplus in the first five months of 2026, despite lower export and import values compared with the same period last year. The EU’s agri-food trade surplus reached €19.4 billion between January and May, €1 billion higher than a year earlier, indicating the continued competitiveness of EU agri-food products on global markets.
EU agri-food exports reached €19.3 billion in May 2026, 5% lower than in April 2026 and 4% below May 2025. Since January, cumulative exports amounted to €96.9 billion, representing a decrease of 3% compared with the same period in 2025 (-€3 billion). The reduction was mainly driven by lower values for cocoa products, pigmeat and olive oil, with olive oil exports affected by both lower prices and volumes. Exports to the United Kingdom, the EU’s leading agri-food export destination, decreased by 3% (-€782 million), mainly due to lower exports of pigmeat, cocoa products, cereals and dairy products. However, exports of rape oil increased significantly. By contrast, exports to Egypt rose by 36% (+€289 million), mainly due to higher wheat exports, while exports to Ukraine increased by €187 million (+11%), driven by spirits. Fruit and nut exports also increased by €223 million (+8%), supported by higher exports of apples, kiwis and raspberries.
EU agri-food imports reached €15.4 billion in May 2026, decreasing by 7% compared with this April and 10% compared with May 2025. Cumulative imports since January amounted to €77.5 billion, 5% lower than in the previous year (-€4.1 billion). While imports of some products declined, imports from Argentina increased by 10% (+€220 million), mainly due to higher sunflower seed imports, and imports from Viet Nam rose by 9% (+€213 million), driven by increased coffee volumes. Imports of fruit and nuts increased by €465 million (+4%), while beef and veal imports rose by €330 million (+28%).
The EU’s agri-food trade performance remained resilient in the first five months of 2026. The continued expansion of the trade surplus highlights the sector’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain a strong position in global trade.
Monitoring EU agri-food trade: developments until May 2026