Market evolution: Edible vegetables and roots (CN 07) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the trade evolution of the European Union in edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers (Combined Nomenclature code 07) from 2015 to 2025. The period is characterised by a significant acceleration in import growth, a persistent rise in unit values, and a notable erosion of the EU's historical trade surplus in this sector. While the EU has increased its exports, the pace of import expansion—driven primarily by a deepening sourcing relationship with North African and Turkish partners—has outstripped it, reshaping the bloc's external trade balance and dependency profile.

1. Surplus Erosion and the Import-Driven Trade Deficit

The most striking macroeconomic trend over the decade is the transformation of the EU's trade balance. The EU began the period with a comfortable trade surplus of €1.54 billion, which had shrunk to a deficit of €570 million by 2025—a reversal representing a €2.1 billion swing. This was driven entirely by import growth outpacing export growth.

Import value surged by 79% while export value grew more modestly at 38%

Import values in CN 07 grew from €3.75 billion in 2015 to €6.72 billion in 2025, an increase of 79.1%. In contrast, export values grew from €5.29 billion to €7.29 billion, a rise of 37.8% (General Overview). This divergence is the fundamental cause of the surplus erosion.

Volume growth lagged price increases, indicating inflationary pressure

The growth in trade value was not purely volume-driven. Import quantities grew by 56.3% (from 3.39 million tonnes to 5.30 million tonnes), while the average import price rose by 14.6%. For exports, the trend was even more price-centric: exported quantities fell by 5.0%, yet the average export price increased by 45.0%. This suggests that value growth was substantially driven by rising prices per tonne rather than by increased physical shipments, particularly on the export side.

2. Geographical Reconfiguration of Sourcing and Export Destinations

The underlying shifts in the trade balance are linked to a clear reconfiguration of trade partnerships. Import concentration has increased, with a few key suppliers becoming dominant, while export patterns have remained more stable and focused on neighbouring markets.

Morocco and Türkiye have become the EU's dominant vegetable suppliers

The value of imports from Morocco surged by 107.1%, reaching €1.69 billion in 2025 and solidifying its position as the top supplier. Imports from Türkiye grew even faster, by 221.5% to €771 million. Together with Egypt (up 224.6%), these three countries accounted for the bulk of the EU's import growth. Meanwhile, the value of imports from the United Kingdom, a traditional partner, fell by 29.4% (General Overview).

The United Kingdom remains the cornerstone of EU vegetable exports

The UK was by far the largest export destination, with its market value growing by 35.8% to €3.49 billion in 2025. Other significant growth was recorded for Switzerland (72.9%) and the United States (56.7%). This indicates that while the EU sources increasingly from the South and East, its export base remains concentrated in geographically proximate, high-income markets (General Overview).

3. Internal Production Growth and Shifting Specialisation

Despite the growing trade deficit, the EU's domestic production of vegetables also expanded significantly during the period, highlighting a simultaneous trend of rising domestic output and increased import reliance.

EU production volumes increased by 43%, outpacing export growth

According to production data, the EU's output of CN 07 products grew from 4.15 billion kg in 2015 to 5.92 billion kg in 2025, a 42.7% increase. Production value grew even faster, by 81.7%, to €7.64 billion. This suggests EU agriculture has been responding to higher global market prices and potentially strong demand (Market Structure).

Trade intensity and export propensity have both increased, indicating greater market integration

The trade intensity (total extra-EU trade as a share of production) rose from 19.5% to 31.2%. More notably, the export propensity (exports as a share of production) nearly doubled from 9.9% to 19.2% (Autonomy & Vulnerability). This means that while the EU produces more, it is also integrating more deeply into international vegetable markets as both a buyer and a seller.

Product segment trends show divergent paths

The product breakdown reveals distinct dynamics. Imports of fresh tomatoes (0702) grew steadily in both volume and high value. In contrast, imports of dried legumes (0713) were highly volatile, peaking in 2023. On the export side, frozen vegetables (0710) showed strong value growth driven almost entirely by price increases, while the volume of fresh cabbage and brassicas (0704) exports declined (Product Segment Breakdown).

Conclusion

The EU's market for edible vegetables and roots (CN 07) between 2015 and 2025 underwent a profound transformation. The era of a consistent trade surplus gave way to a deficit, primarily due to a near-doubling of import expenditure that outpaced respectable export growth. This was facilitated by a strategic shift towards sourcing from North African and Turkish suppliers, who capitalized on their proximity and production cycles to become dominant partners. Simultaneously, EU domestic production grew robustly, but at a rate that was ultimately outstripped by the bloc's consumption needs and import appetite. The sector has thus become more internationally integrated, with higher trade intensity and export propensity, but also more exposed to supply dynamics and price inflation from key southern and eastern partners.