Ministry of Agriculture: The trade deficit with food and live animals decreased by 13.5% in the first seven months of 2026

Romania’s trade deficit in the “food and live animals” category fell by 13.5% in the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to INS data cited by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Exports of agri-food products rose by 8.1% to approximately €4.5 billion, while imports declined by 1.4% to around €6.7 billion. The development marks a reduction in the sector’s trade imbalance.

The largest increase in exports was recorded for dairy products and eggs, at 36.7%, reaching €352.9 million. In this category, the trade deficit fell by 24.4%. At the same time, imports of meat and meat preparations declined by 5.3%.

Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu said that the reduction in the deficit and the increase in exports were encouraging signals, but stressed the need for predictability, funding and support for farmers and processors.

The ministry announced the continuation of funding to complete investments and bring new production capacities into operation. The authorities consider strengthening the link between farms and processing units essential for capitalizing on Romanian production and reducing trade imbalances in the long term.