Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

The latest report on agri-food trade released by the European Commission in Brussels showed that EU agri-food trade rebounded in January 2025, with exports reaching €19 billion, while imports rose to €16 billion. The trade surplus narrowed to €3 billion, reflecting higher import costs.
EU agri-food exports reached €19 billion in January 2025, a 4% increase compared to January 2024. The United Kingdom remained the top destination, with exports increasing by 3%. Exports to Switzerland also rose by 16%, driven primarily by cocoa products. Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices increased by €396 million (+55%) in January 2025 compared to January 2024, driven primarily by higher cocoa and coffee prices. Exports of confectionery and chocolate increased by €150 million (+18%), while exports of dairy products grew by €119 million (+8%). EU imports of agricultural and food products rose to €16 billion in January 2025, up 7% from December and 19% from January 2024, mainly due to higher cocoa and coffee prices. Imports from Côte d'Ivoire (+€438 million, +77%) and Ghana (+€233 million, +153%) recorded the largest value increases, driven by higher cocoa prices. EU imports of coffee, cocoa, and spices rose by €1.4 billion (+66%) in January 2025, driven by higher cocoa and coffee prices. Imports of fruit, nuts, and non-edible products also increased, mainly due to higher prices.