Rising import prices affect EU meat and feed steadiness
27 June 2025
2 minute learn
EU agri-food commerce held agency within the first quarter of 2025, regardless of rising international commodity costs, in accordance with a press launch from the European Fee’s Directorate Normal for Agriculture. Exports elevated by 3% year-over-year, reaching €59.7 billion, supported by excessive cocoa and dairy costs. Imports rose by 20%, totalling €48.1 billion, pushed by increased costs for cocoa, espresso, fruit and nuts.
Regardless of the soar in imports, the EU’s agri-food commerce steadiness remained optimistic at €11.6 billion, though barely diminished from the identical interval in 2024.
Dairy and confectionery exports up, cereals down
In March 2025 alone, EU agri-food exports totalled €21.1 billion. For the total quarter, the UK remained the highest vacation spot, importing €13.5 billion price of EU merchandise—a 5% enhance from 2024.
Exports of espresso, tea, cocoa and spices grew by 51% (€1.1 billion), primarily resulting from surging cocoa costs. Chocolate and confectionery exports rose 21% (€539 million), whereas dairy exports had been up 7% (€327 million), additionally resulting from increased costs.
Against this, cereal exports fell sharply—down €1 billion or 27%—resulting from decrease shipments of wheat and maize, notably to China.
Import surge led by cocoa, espresso and nuts
Rising costs for a number of key imports pushed EU consumption to €48.1 billion in Q1 2025. Cocoa costs doubled, and occasional rose by 65%, boosting import values from main suppliers. Notable year-over-year will increase got here from Côte d’Ivoire (+84%, €1.2 billion) and China (+35%, €732 million).
Nevertheless, imports of sugar and isoglucose declined by 39% (€197 million), and olive oil imports dropped by 32% (€167 million), reflecting diminished volumes and decrease costs.
Imports from Russia and Ukraine fell, largely resulting from diminished commerce in cereals and oilseeds.
Outlook
The EU’s agri-food commerce surplus stays strong however is underneath stress from elevated international commodity costs. Dairy continues to carry out nicely on the export facet, whereas falling cereal volumes and rising feed ingredient costs might affect feed and livestock sectors going ahead.
