Publication of latest agri-food trade figures: EU agri-food trade maintains solid growth
The latest monthly report on agri-food trade published today shows that EU agri-food trade continued to perform strongly during January to August 2020. EU27 exports reached a value of €119 billion (an increase of 1.2% compared to January-August 2019), while imports attained a value of €81.6 billion (an increase of 0.8%). As a result, the agri-food trade surplus stood at €37.4 billion, an increase of 2% compared to the corresponding period in 2019. The value of EU agri-food exports to China grew by €2.77 billion, prompted by strong sales of EU pig meat, wheat, offal meat, infant food, and barley. In Saudi Arabia, a €537 million rise in the value of EU agri-food exports was largely propelled by sales of barley and dairy products. Cereals (principally wheat) and various dairy products also performed strongly in Morocco and Algeria, where the agri-food export values rose by €383 million and €345 million respectively. EU agri-food exports also grew in Switzerland and Ukraine. The value of imports from the UK declined by €1.03 billion, affecting the majority of agri-food products, most notably spirits and liqueurs. Meanwhile, the value of EU exports to the UK dropped by €329 million, with wine, poultry meat, and butter amongst the main product categories affected. Still, some increases were recorded in export values of pasta and pastry, oilcakes, and wheat. The value of EU exports to the U.S. fell by €692 million, with spirits and wine the main products affected, while the value of imports from the U.S. dropped by €606 million. Declines were also recorded in the value of exports to Hong Kong and Singapore. As regards product categories, the export values of EU pig meat and wheat experienced remarkable growths. The export value of coarse grains also increased, as a result of growing demand in the European Neighbourhood region, Africa, and China. The full report is available online and further information on the agri-food policy can be found here.
