EU Agri-Food Trade Posts EUR 3.2 Billion Surplus in January 2026
Summary
The EU agri-food sector generated a trade surplus of EUR 3.2 billion in January 2026, 4% higher than January 2025, despite lower monthly trade flows. Exports stood at EUR 17.5 billion (down 9% month-on-month and 8% year-on-year), while imports were EUR 14.4 billion (down 7% month-on-month and 11% year-on-year).
What changed
The EU Commission published January 2026 agri-food trade monitoring data showing a EUR 3.2 billion surplus. Export declines were partly offset by increased cereal (+6%) and fruit and nut (+5%) shipments, while import reductions were driven primarily by lower cocoa bean volumes (-36%) and prices (-17%).
Affected parties seeking to understand trade dynamics should note that the cocoa category drove the largest import decrease (EUR 654 million, -19%), reflecting both volume and price corrections. This statistical release is informational and does not impose compliance obligations on importers or exporters.
Archived snapshot
Apr 20, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Despite lower monthly trade flows, the EU agri-food sector continued to generate a solid trade surplus in January 2026, underlining its strong position in global markets. Part of the adjustment in trade values reflects lower prices for key commodities, particularly cocoa products. The EU agri-food trade surplus stood at EUR 3.2 billion in January, remaining 4% higher than in January 2025.
In January 2026, the EU exported EURÂ 17.5Â billion, down 9% month-on-month and 8% year-on-year, due to reduced export volumes and prices across the main product categories. The main increases in exports were in cereals (+Â EURÂ 45Â million, +6%, due to higher volumes), and fruit and nuts (+Â EURÂ 31Â million, +5%, mostly due to increased exports of apples and pears).
In January 2026, the EU imported EURÂ 14.4Â billion in agri-food products, down 7% month-on-month and 11% year-on-year. Imports in category coffee, tea, cocoa and spices declined the most in January 2026 year-on-year, down EURÂ 654Â million (-19%), mainly due to reduced import volumes (-36%) and prices (-17%) of cocoa beans.
More insights as well as detailed tables are available below in the latest edition of the monthly EU agri-food trade report.
- 13 APRIL 2026 Monitoring EU agri-food trade: developments in January 2026 English (824.1 KB - PDF) Download ## Details
Publication date 13 April 2026 Author Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development Location Brussels
Related links
Trade and international policy analysis Previous monthly data on EU agri-food exports and imports
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