EU Agri-Food Trade Sees Growth in January 2025

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has released the latest agri-food trade report, indicating a significant increase in the EU's agri-food trade in January 2025. The report shows that EU agri-food exports reached €19 billion, a 4% increase from the same period in 2024, with the UK remaining the top destination for EU exports. On the other hand, EU agri-food imports rose to €16 billion, a 7% increase from the previous month and a 19% increase from January 2024, largely due to high prices for cocoa and coffee.

Key Takeaways:

  • EU agri-food exports reached €19 billion in January 2025, a 4% increase from the same period in 2024.
  • The UK remained the top destination for EU exports, with exports increasing by 3% in January 2025.
  • Exports to Switzerland also rose by 16%, mainly driven by cocoa products.
  • The trade surplus narrowed to €3 billion in January 2025, reflecting increased import costs.
  • EU imports of coffee, cocoa, and spices rose by €1.4 billion (+66%) in January 2025, driven by soaring cocoa and coffee prices.
  • Imports from Côte d'Ivoire (+438 million, +77%) and Ghana (+233 million, +153%) recorded the largest increases in value, driven by soaring cocoa prices.
  • Confectionery and chocolate exports increased by €150 million (+18%), while dairy product exports grew by €119 million (+8%).

Statistics:

  • EU agri-food exports: €19 billion (January 2025)
  • EU agri-food imports: €16 billion (January 2025)
  • Trade surplus: €3 billion (January 2025)
  • Increase in EU exports to Switzerland: 16% (Mainly driven by cocoa products)
  • Increase in coffee, cocoa, and spices imports: €1.4 billion (+66%) (January 2025)
  • Largest increases in imports from Côte d'Ivoire: +438 million (+77%)
  • Largest increases in imports from Ghana: +233 million (+153%)
  • Increase in confectionery and chocolate exports: €150 million (+18%)
  • Increase in dairy product exports: €119 million (+8%)

Sources:

  • European Commission. (16 May 2025). EU agri-food trade kicked 2025 growth exports and imports. Retrieved from https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/media/news/eu-agri-food-trade-kicked-2025-growth-exports-and-imports-2025-05-16_en