EU agri-food trade remained strong in the first quarter of 2025. Exports grew by 3% compared to 2024 and reached EUR 59.7 billion, supported by high cocoa prices, while cereals exports declined. Imports increased by 20%, reaching EUR 48.1 billion, mainly due to higher prices for cocoa, coffee, fruit and nuts. EU agri-food trade balance remained largely positive, reaching EUR 11.6 billion in the first quarter, despite a reduction due to higher imports price compared to 2024.
Exports
EU agri-food exports reached EUR 21.1 billion in March 2025, bringing first-quarter exports to EUR 59.7 billion, 3% higher than in the same period in 2024. The UK remained the top export destination with EUR 13.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 (23 % of EU agri-food exports). This is an increase of EUR 583 million (+5 %) compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, exports to China declined due to lower cereals exports.
Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices saw the largest growth in early 2025 compared to 2024, rising by EUR 1.1 billion (+51%), driven by a sharp increase in cocoa product prices. Confectionery and chocolate exports also grew significantly (+21%, +EUR 539 million), as did dairy products (+7%, +EUR 327 million), mainly due to higher prices. In contrast, cereals exports dropped by EUR 1 billion (-27%), mostly due to lower volumes of wheat and maize.
Imports
EU agri-food imports rose to EUR 48.1 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 20% compared to the same period of 2024, largely driven by higher prices for cocoa, coffee, and other products. Brazil, the US, and the UK remained the top import origins, with notable increases also seen from Côte d’Ivoire (+84%, +EUR 1.2 billion) and China (+35%, +EUR 732 million). In contrast, imports from Russia and Ukraine declined due to reduced cereals and oilseeds trade.
Rising prices for key products continued to drive EU agri-food imports in the first quarter of 2025. Imports of cocoa, coffee, fruit and nuts, and non-edible products saw strong growth, with cocoa prices doubling and coffee prices up 65%. In contrast, imports of sugar and isoglucose (-39%, -EUR 197 million), and olive oil (-32%, -EUR 167 million) declined due to lower prices and reduced volumes.
Updated annual EU agri-food trade factsheets
In addition to this publication, EU agri-food trade factsheets have been updated and are now available with data for 2024: Trade in value – European Commission. These factsheets provide a comprehensive overview of EU agri-food trade across the world, by countries and by regions.
Monitoring EU agri-food trade: developments in March 2025
