Portuguese agri-food and beverage industry exports grew 4.16% between January and July 2026, compared to the same period the previous year, defying the sentiment of global uncertainty. Extra-EU markets continue to be the main destination, concentrating exports worth 1.51 billion euros. Among the markets that recorded the highest growth, Brazil stands out with a rise of 25.45%, and Angola with 22.12%. In the opposite direction, exports to the United States fell by 12.50%.
This strong growth occurred during a period marked by the signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement, which allows a reduction in customs duties for trade between the European Union and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The agreement provides for Mercosur to progressively eliminate tariffs on 92% of EU exports, including the 27% on wines and 35% on spirits. The European Union, for its part, will end tariffs on 91% of Mercosur exports.
Sales of the sector in the European Union also recorded positive growth, rising 2.56% to 3,175 million euros. The Netherlands, Italy and Poland stood out among the most dynamic markets, while exports to Belgium decreased by 4.27%.
FIPA's president, Jorge Tomás Henriques, warned that export growth cannot be taken for granted. The federation considers it essential to strengthen support instruments for internationalization, promote enterprise competitiveness and ensure a regulatory framework conducive to investment and value creation.
