EU Agricultural Trade Surplus Climbs To €24.7 Billion In 2025

Robust Growth In Agricultural Trade

The European Union secured a notable surplus of €24.7 billion in its agricultural trade for 2025, a milestone highlighted in a recent Eurostat report. The bloc recorded exports of €238.2 billion against imports of €213.5 billion, underscoring a robust trade landscape.

Incremental Gains And Rapid Shifts

Year-over-year comparisons reveal a nuanced picture: while agricultural exports experienced a modest growth of 1.6%, imports accelerated by 9.3%. Analysis from 2015 to 2025 further indicates a steady annual export growth rate of 4.4% and an even higher import increase averaging 5.0% per annum, reflecting the EU’s expanding appetite for international produce.

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Key Markets And Trade Dynamics

The United Kingdom remains the dominant destination for EU exports, capturing 23.3% of the market with goods valued at €55.6 billion. Meanwhile, prominent markets for European produce include the United States (12.0%), Switzerland (5.7%), and China (4.9%). However, the U.S. share has seen a slight contraction of 0.9%, a shift attributed to the imposition of tariffs on critical agricultural products.

Stable Import Channels And Policy Impacts

On the import front, Brazil stands out as the leading supplier, contributing 8.5% of agricultural imports with a value of €18.2 billion. The United Kingdom and the United States follow with shares of 8.0% and 6.2%, respectively, while China accounts for 5.1%. Notably, Ukraine’s share declined from 6.7% to 5.0% following the expiration of trade facilitation measures, further underlining the sensitive interplay between policy and trade flows.

Conclusion

The 2025 figures highlight both the scale of the EU’s agricultural trade activity and the changing dynamics shaping global markets. Shifts in regulation, demand and trade flows continue influencing the sector, while exporters and policymakers remain focused on maintaining competitiveness across international markets.

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Keve Welcomes New Cyprus Business Development Organisation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 17, 2026

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has welcomed Parliament’s unanimous approval of legislation establishing the Cyprus Business Development Organisation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, startups and self-employed professionals.

Expanding Access To Finance

The legislation creates a new public body aimed at addressing financing gaps by supporting businesses that struggle to secure funding through traditional channels.

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According to Keve, the initiative could strengthen entrepreneurship, boost competitiveness and support Cyprus’ green and digital transition. The chamber has long argued that SMEs rely too heavily on bank financing, limiting investment, expansion and innovation.

Keve Calls For Swift Implementation

Keve said it helped shape the legislation through the consultation process and called for the organisation to become operational as quickly as possible. It also pledged to continue working with the Finance Ministry and the organisation’s management to support implementation.

How The Organisation Will Operate

Approved by Parliament on Tuesday, the legislation establishes Cyprus’ national business development body under the supervision of the Finance Minister, while the Central Bank of Cyprus will oversee anti-money laundering compliance.

The organisation will design financing programmes, provide loans and conduct studies to identify weaknesses in the financing market.

Cyprus will provide €60 million in initial capital. Over time, the body will also be able to raise funding from European and international institutions and benefit from state guarantees linked to approved strategic priorities.

Recovery Plan Milestone

Creation of the organisation is one of the final milestones under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and is required for the country to receive the plan’s ninth and final payment. Appointment of the board of directors remains the last outstanding step.

Before approving the bill, the Finance Ministry revised the draft following consultations with MPs and stakeholders. The changes removed provisions allowing the organisation to establish companies and narrowed the list of eligible beneficiaries by excluding small mid-cap companies.

Lawmakers also strengthened governance rules by introducing stricter board suitability requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards, enhanced reporting obligations and borrowing limits. A seven-member board appointed by the Cabinet will oversee the organisation, while a transitional board will serve for two years until it becomes fully operational.

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