EU exports of agri-food reached €19 billion in January 2025, a small increase on the previous month (1.5%), and 4% higher than in January 2024.

However, high import figures have resulted in the bloc's agri-food trading surplus declining significantly year-on-year.

EU exports to the US and Switzerland increased, while exports to China decreased.

The value of exports of cocoa products and coffee increased due to increases in prices, while the value of exports of cereals decreased.

Imports to the EU, meanwhile, increased by 7% month-on-month in January and reached €16 billion, 19% higher than in January 2024.

This is explained by high import prices, in particular for cocoa and coffee. Imports from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) had the largest increase in value, while those from Russia had the largest reduction.

The EU agri-food trade surplus reached €3 billion in January 2025. This is a reduction of 20% compared to the previous month and a 38% reduction compared to January 2024, explained primarily by the increase of the prices of EU imports, in particular for cocoa products, coffee, and fruit and nuts.

The UK remained the first destination of EU exports, with an increase of €137 million (+3%) in January 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This was explained by increases across a variety of products.

The US remained the second destination of EU exports in January 2025, with an increase of €234 million (+10%) compared to January 2024. This is partly explained by an increase in prices of cocoa products.

Switzerland was the third destination of EU exports in January. Exports grew by €154 million (+16%) compared to January 2024, due to increases in the value of cocoa products and other products.

On the other hand, EU exports to China had the largest reduction, with a decrease of €147 million (-13%) compared to 2024. This is explained in particular by a strong reduction in cereal exports.

Other reductions in EU exports in January were observed in the direction of Algeria (down €62 million, or 25%, mainly due to reductions in cereal exports); Pakistan (down €51 million, or 67%, mainly in cereals); and Singapore (down €47 million, or 32%, mainly due to reduced spirits and liqueurs).

Agri-food Imports originating from Ivory Coast had the largest increase in value in January 2025 compared to January 2024 (+€438 million, +77%), mainly due to high cocoa prices. Imports from Ghana increased by €233 million (+153%) for the same reason.

Imports from China increased by €302 million (+46%), due to increases across all product categories except olives and olive oil, and spirits and liqueurs.

Imports from the US increased by €239 million (+21%), in particular due to an increase in imports of maize, and spirits and liqueurs, as well as higher prices for imported nuts.

Imports from Canada increased by €179 million (+65%) in January 2025 compared to January 2024, mainly due to higher oilseeds and cereal imports.

On the other hand, imports from Brazil declined by €140 million (-10%), mainly due to lower oilseed imports. Imports from Ukraine also decreased by €125 million (-9%), mainly due to lower imports of cereals compared to January 2024.

Imports from Russia decreased by 79% in January 2025 compared to January 2024, largely due to a sharp reduction in oilseeds and cereal imports.