Publication of latest agri-food trade figures: EU trade surplus still strong

The latest monthly agri-food trade report published today shows that the EU maintained a monthly agri-food trade surplus of €2.2 billion in September 2018 in spite of a modest decline in export values of 6% compared with September 2017.

The highest increases in monthly export values (September 2018 compared to September 2017) were recorded for Egypt (an increase €61 million), Algeria (up €34 million) and South Korea (a gain of €26 million). In contrast, exports to China dropped significantly (by €131 million). There were also drops in exports to both Hong Kong and Turkey. While there was an increase in exports for feed and feed ingredients and for preparations of vegetables, fruit and nuts, exports of raw hides, fur skins, wheat and other cereals experienced decreases. Imports from Brazil, the USA, Russia and Ukraine performed particularly well. Looking at the last 12 months from October 2017 to September 2017, agri-food export surplus remains at €21 billion. Wine, sugar, spirits and liqueurs are sectors that keep exporting significant quantities and values. The monthly report provides a table presenting the trade balance and its development by product category from October 2016 to September 2018.