EU agri-food trade kicked off 2025 with rising exports & imports

The latest agri-food trade report published by the European Commission shows that EU agri-food trade picked up in January 2025, with exports reaching €19 billion and imports rising to €16 billion. The trade surplus narrowed to €3 billion, reflecting increased import costs.
EU agri-food exports reached €19 billion in January 2025, 4% higher than in January 2024. The UK remained the top destination, with exports increasing by 3%. Exports to Switzerland also rose by 16%, mainly driven by cocoa products. Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices rose by €396 million (+55%) in January 2025 compared to January 2024, mainly driven by higher prices for cocoa and coffee. Confectionery and chocolate exports increased by €150 million (+18%), while dairy product exports grew by €119 million (+8%).

EU agri-food imports rose to €16 billion in January 2025, up 7% from December and 19% higher than January 2024, largely due to high prices for cocoa and coffee. Imports from Côte d'Ivoire (+€438 million, +77%) and Ghana (+€233 million, +153%) recorded the largest increases in value, driven by soaring cocoa prices. EU imports of coffee, cocoa and spices rose by €1.4 billion (+66%) in January 2025, driven by soaring cocoa and coffee prices. Imports of fruit, nuts and non-edible products also increased, mainly due to higher prices.

More insights as well as detailed tables are available in the latest edition of the monthly EU agri-food trade report.