EU Agri-Food Trade Remains Stable Despite Challenging Context

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission's latest agri-food trade report shows that EU agri-food trade remained stable in May 2025, with a total EU trade surplus remaining largely positive despite high prices inflating the value of some key EU imports. The UK remained the leading market between January and May, accounting for 23% of exports, with significant increases in exports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices. At the same time, EU agri-food imports saw large year-on-year increases from Cote d'Ivoire, Canada, China, and Australia, driven by high prices for key commodities.

Key Takeaways:

  • EU agri-food exports reached EUR19.9 billion in May 2025, a slight fall of 1% from April, but 1% higher than May 2024.
  • The UK remained the leading market between January and May, accounting for 23% of exports (EUR23 billion), up EUR964 million (+4%) largely due to higher cocoa product prices.
  • Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices grew by EUR1.6 billion (+39%), reflecting a doubling of cocoa paste, butter, and powder prices, as well as a 30% increase in coffee prices.
  • Chocolate and confectionery exports also rose strongly (+EUR831 million, +20%), while dairy products increased by EUR574 million (+7%) despite lower volumes.
  • EU agri-food imports reached EUR17 billion in May 2025, up 4% on the previous month, with significant increases in imports from Cote d'Ivoire, Canada, China, and Australia.
  • High prices for key commodities continued to push import values upward, with coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices rising by EUR6.9 billion (+62%), while fruit and nuts added EUR1.8 billion (+18%).

Statistics:

  • EU agri-food trade surplus: largely positive in May 2025.
  • EU agri-food exports: EUR19.9 billion in May 2025, a slight fall of 1% from April.
  • EU agri-food imports: EUR17 billion in May 2025, up 4% on the previous month.
  • Largest year-on-year increases in EU agri-food imports: Cote d'Ivoire (+EUR1.8 billion, +68%), Canada (+EUR933 million, +93%), China (+EUR868 million, +24%), and Australia (+EUR790 million, +111%).
  • High prices for key commodities pushed import values upward, with coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices rising by EUR6.9 billion (+62%).

Sources:

  • European Commission: "EU agri-food trade report, May 2025"
  • European Commission: "Monthly EU agri-food trade report"