EU Agri-Food Trade in January 2025: Rising Imports Outpace Export Growth

In January 2025, the European Union’s agri-food exports reached €19 billion, marking a 1.5% monthly and 4% annual increase, according to the European Commission. However, imports rose more sharply, climbing 7% month-over-month and 19% year-over-year to €16 billion, mainly due to soaring prices of commodities like cocoa and coffee.

Export Trends: UK, US, and Switzerland Lead

The UK remained the EU’s top export destination, with a 3% increase. Exports to the United States and Switzerland grew by 10% and 16%, respectively, largely driven by higher cocoa prices. In contrast, exports to China dropped by 13%, mainly due to falling grain shipments. Similar declines were recorded for Algeria (-25%), Pakistan (-67%), and Singapore (-32%).

Cocoa, Coffee, and Dairy Exports Rise

Export value growth was strongest in the coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices category, up 55%, fueled by rising cocoa and coffee prices. Chocolate and sweets exports rose by 18%, dairy by 8%. However, grain exports fell by 37%, and plant oils and protein crops saw double-digit declines due to lower export volumes.

Import Growth Outpaces Exports

Imports from Ivory Coast (+77%) and Ghana (+153%) saw the highest increases, driven by record cocoa prices. Imports from China (+46%) and the US (+21%) also grew significantly, while imports from Brazil (-10%), Ukraine (-9%), and Russia (-79%) declined.

Trade Surplus Shrinks

As a result, the EU’s agri-food trade surplus dropped to €3 billion, down 20% from December and 38% from January 2024. Analysts attribute this to import-driven cost pressures, particularly in cocoa, coffee, fruits, and nuts, which continue to affect the EU’s agri-food trade balance.