The European Union’s agricultural sector maintained its status as a global powerhouse in 2025, posting a €24.7 billion trade surplus even as shifting geopolitical policies and new

tariffs began to reshape long-standing trade routes.

According to the latest trade data, the EU exported €238.2 billion in agricultural goods last year—a 1.6% increase over 2024. However, imports climbed at a much sharper rate, rising 9.3% to reach €213.5 billion.

Decades of growth

The 2025 figures cap off a decade of steady expansion for European agri-trade. Since 2015, the sector has seen:

Export Growth: An average annual increase of 4.4%.

Import Growth: A slightly more aggressive average of 5.0% per year.

Shifting alliances and policy impact

While the EU’s primary trading partners remained relatively consistent, policy changes left a visible mark on the balance sheet.

The export landscape:

The United Kingdom remains the EU’s most vital customer, absorbing 23.3% (€55.6 billion) of all agricultural exports. The United States followed at 12.0% (€28.5 billion), though its share dipped by nearly a percentage point—a decline attributed to the introduction of new tariffs on several EU agricultural products.

The import landscape:

Brazil emerged as the top supplier to the EU, accounting for 8.5% (€18.2 billion) of imports, narrowly edging out the UK (8.0%).

The most significant shift occurred with Ukraine. Previously a top-tier supplier, Ukraine’s share of EU imports fell from 6.7% to 5.0%. Analysts point to the expiration of specific trade facilitation measures as the primary driver behind this cooling of trade volume.

Major trade partners (2025)

Note: Despite minor fluctuations and regional tariff disputes, the EU’s agricultural trade remains on a long-term upward trajectory, bolstered by a diverse portfolio of global partners.