EU agri-food trade remains stable in May

Exports

EU agri-food exports reached €19.9 billion in May, a slight fall (−1%) from April, but still 1% higher than in May 2024. Between January and May, cumulative exports reached €99.6 billion, an increase of €2.3 billion (+2%) compared to last year.T

The UK remained the leading market between January and May, accounting for 23% of exports (€23 billion), up €964 million (+4%), largely due to higher cocoa product prices. Exports to the US also grew, reaching €12.7 billion (+€700 million, +6%), supported by cocoa products, spirits, dairy and wine. Switzerland followed with €5.7 billion, up €555 million (+11%), again boosted by cocoa prices.

By contrast, exports to China dropped by €619 million (−11%), largely due to a sharp decline in cereal volumes.
Cocoa and coffee products continued to drive export values. Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices grew by €1.6 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 (+€831 million, +20%), while dairy products increased by €574 million (+7%) despite lower volumes.

Meanwhile, cereals exports fell by €1.3 billion (−22%), driven by a 28% drop in volumes, while olive and olive oil exports declined by €459 million (−14%), as falling prices offset a 17% rise in volumes.

Imports

EU agri-food imports reached €17 billion in May, up 4% on the previous month and 15% higher year-on-year. Between January and May, total imports stood at €81.5 billion, an increase of €11.5 billion (+16%) compared to 2024.

Brazil remained the largest source, supplying €7.5 billion between January and May (+€591 million, +9%), mainly due to higher coffee prices. Imports from the UK reached €6.5 billion (+€336 million, +5%), while those from the US rose to €5.9 billion (+€878 million, +17%), driven by higher maize imports, as well as nuts and spirits.

The largest year-on-year increases came from Côte d'Ivoire (+€1.8 billion, +68%, mainly in cocoa), Canada (+€933 million, +93%, mainly in cereals and rapeseed), China (+€868 million, +24%, mainly in non-edible goods), and Australia (+€790 million, +111%, mainly in rapeseed, though still below 2023 levels). By contrast, imports from Ukraine decreased by €687 million (−12%) and those from Russia plunged by €480 million (−74%).

High prices for key commodities continued to push import values upward. Coffee, tea, cocoa and spices rose by €6.9 billion (+62%), while fruit and nuts added €1.8 billion (+18%). Imports of non-edible products increased by €588 million (+15%). In contrast, olives and olive oil fell by €378 million (−41%), and sugar and isoglucose by €347 million (−39%).