European agri-food exports fall by 2 percent

A larger trade surplus does not automatically mean export growth. European trade in agricultural and food products proves that once again. Total export value declined during the first half of 2026. Meanwhile, the trade surplus continued to grow. Product categories and export markets also moved in different directions. This presents a mixed picture of international trade.

Exports decline

The European Union exported €117.2 billion worth of agricultural and food products. That was 2 percent less than a year earlier. Meanwhile, the trade surplus increased to €23.9 billion. This represented growth of €1.4 billion.

The value of pork exports fell by €773 million. That amounts to a decline of 12 percent. Lower prices were the main factor behind the decrease. Export volumes to China and Japan also declined.

The export value of olives and olive oil fell by 13 percent. Both lower prices and smaller volumes played a role. Exports of prepared vegetables, fruit, and nuts declined by 6 percent.

Wide differences between export markets

Exports to the United States fell by 11 percent. This reduced their value by €1.7 billion. Exports to the United Kingdom and Japan also declined.

Exports to Egypt increased by 28 percent. This growth was mainly driven by higher wheat exports. Ukraine and India also imported more European products.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz affected the Gulf region. Exports to the United Arab Emirates fell by 25 percent.

Lower imports due to cocoa prices

Europe imported €93.4 billion worth of agricultural and food products. That was 4 percent less than a year earlier. Lower prices for cocoa products caused the largest decline.

The value of grain imports fell by 15 percent. Oilseed and protein crop imports declined by 3 percent. Imports of fruit and nuts increased by 3 percent. Sunflower seed imports doubled after two poor European harvest years.

Agriculture.ec.europa.eu