The EU’s agri-food sector recorded a stronger trade surplus in the first five months of 2026, despite lower export and import values than a year earlier: the surplus reached €19.4 billion between January and May, €1 billion higher than a year earlier, indicating the continued competitiveness of EU agri-food products globally, the European Commission reports.
Exports: lower values, resilient position
EU agri-food exports reached €19.3 billion in May 2026 — 5% below April 2026 and 4% below May 2025.
Since January, cumulative exports were €96.9 billion, down 3% (-€3 billion) year on year, mainly on lower values for cocoa products, pigmeat and olive oil (the latter hit by both lower prices and volumes).
Exports to the UK, the EU’s leading destination, fell 3% (-€782 million), mainly on lower pigmeat, cocoa products, cereals and dairy products, though rape oil exports rose sharply. Exports to Egypt rose 36% (+€289 million) on higher wheat, to Ukraine by €187 million (+11%) on spirits, and fruit and nuts by €223 million (+8%) on apples, kiwis and raspberries.
Imports: broad-based decline
EU agri-food imports reached €15.4 billion in May 2026, down 7% in April and 10% in May 2025. Cumulative imports since January were €77.5 billion, 5% lower year on year (-€4.1 billion). Imports from Argentina rose 10% (+€220 million) on sunflower seed, and from Viet Nam 9% (+€213 million) on coffee, while fruit and nut imports rose €465 million (+4%) and beef and veal €330 million (+28%).
The Commission says the sector’s trade performance remained resilient, with the expanding surplus underscoring its ability to adapt and hold a strong position in global trade. Further details are provided in the Commission’s monthly report, “Monitoring of EU agri-food trade” (developments until May 2026), available in PDF format.
Source: European Commission
