EU agri-food trade posts EUR 3.2 billion surplus in January

Despite lower monthly trade flows, the EU agri-food sector continued to generate a solid trade surplus in January 2026, underlining its strong position in global markets. Part of the adjustment in trade values reflects lower prices for key commodities, particularly cocoa products. The EU agri-food trade surplus stood at EUR 3.2 billion in January, remaining 4% higher than in January 2025.

In January 2026, the EU exported EUR 17.5 billion, down 9% month-on-month and 8% year-on-year, due to reduced export volumes and prices across the main product categories. The main increases in exports were in cereals (+ EUR 45 million, +6%, due to higher volumes), and fruit and nuts (+ EUR 31 million, +5%, mostly due to increased exports of apples and pears).

In January 2026, the EU imported EUR 14.4 billion in agri-food products, down 7% month-on-month and 11% year-on-year. Imports in category coffee, tea, cocoa and spices declined the most in January 2026 year-on-year, down EUR 654 million (-19%), mainly due to reduced import volumes (-36%) and prices (-17%) of cocoa beans.

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