EU Shifts Agri-Trade Focus from Grain to South American Oilseeds

The European Union saw a shift in its agri-food trade dynamics in July 2026, with exports rising 5% month-on-month to €21.3 billion while imports fell 4% to €15.1 billion. Compared to July 2025, exports grew 3%, but imports dropped 6%. This trend reflects broader changes in the EU's agricultural trade patterns.

The most notable decline was in cereal imports, which fell 11% in value to €4.76 billion during January, July. Wheat imports plummeted 32%, primarily due to reduced volumes, and rice imports decreased by 18%. The EU's reliance on grain imports is clearly waning.

At the same time, the EU boosted its purchases of oilseeds from South America. Imports from Brazil surged by €528 million, driven by increased soybean shipments, while Argentine imports rose by €240 million, largely due to higher sunflower seed purchases. This shift underscores the growing importance of Brazil and Argentina as key suppliers of oilseed raw materials to the European market.

From January to July, total EU agri-food imports reached €108.6 billion, a 4% decrease year-on-year. Exports amounted to €138.7 billion, slightly below the previous year's level by 1%. The data highlights a structural change in the EU's external trade, with cereal imports declining and oilseed imports from South America rising.