More pieces of dark chocolate is laying on a table

In 2023, 867 000 tonnes of chocolate and chocolate bars were exported by EU members to countries outside the EU (extra-EU). This marks a 2% increase compared with 2022 (852 000 tonnes) and a 35% boost compared with 2013 (643 000 tonnes).

The top chocolate and chocolate bar exporters to extra-EU countries were Germany, with 221 000 tonnes or 26% of the total exports, followed by the Netherlands (123 000 tonnes or 14%), Poland (115 000 tonnes or 13%), Belgium (96 000 tonnes or 11%) and Italy (92 000 tonnes or 11%). These 5 EU countries were thus responsible for three quarters of the total EU chocolate and chocolate bars exports to extra-EU countries. 

Top EU exporters of chocolates and chocolate bars to exta-EU countries, in tonnes, 2023. Infographic. See link to full dataset below.

Source dataset: DS-045409

The top 5 partners for extra-EU exports were the United Kingdom, leading with 315 000 tonnes (36%), followed by the United States with 72 000 tonnes (8%), Russia with 65 000 tonnes (7%), Canada with 31 000 tonnes (4%), and Australia with 27 000 tonnes (3%). 

Extra-EU imports came mainly from Switzerland leading with 62 000 tonnes (36%), followed closely by the United Kingdom with 61 000 tonnes (36%), Ukraine with 22 000 tonnes (13%), Türkiye with 7 000 tonnes (4%), and Norway with 3 000 tonnes (2%). 

For more information

Methodological note

Dutch trade flows are over-estimated because of the so-called ‘Rotterdam effect’ (or quasi-transit trade): goods originating in other EU countries that are exported through Dutch ports are, according to EU rules, recorded as extra-EU exports by the Netherlands.

If you have any queries, please visit our contact us page.