EU Agri-Food Trade Continues to Increase

EU - EU agri-food exports in February 2016 were worth €10.2 billion, which is well above export values in January 2016 and even slightly above exports in February 2015, according to the latest monthly statistical report.

22 April 2016

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The highest increases in monthly export values in February 2016 were witnessed for the US (+15 per cent) and China (+13.5 per cent).

For the past 12 months, imports increased by 8.4 per cent compared to the same period one year ago, the export surplus standing at about €16 billion.

This month's report focuses on EU trade with China, which is the second most important destination and the fourth most important origin for EU agri-food imports.

In 2015, exports to China increased in all major product groups with the most significant hike in commodities (+71 per cent; from €1 billion to €1.7 billion).

For example, pork exports to China more than doubled (from €432 million to €934 million) in 2015 which demonstrates the importance of pig meat in EU exports to China.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan is this week on a visit to China and Japan accompanied by a business delegation of European agri-food executives representing key sectors in the EU trade.

Opening up new markets and promoting consumption of EU dairy products and pig meat is one of his priorities.