The annual value of EU agri-food exports reached a new record level in 2016 totalling €130.7 billion, up €1.7 billion on 2015, according to figures published by the European Commission on Thursday 23 February (see EUROPE 11706).
The biggest increases in European exports were to the USA (up €1.26 billion) and China (up €1.06 billion). At the same time, the value of EU agri-food imports fell by 1.5% to €112 billion. This had the effect of increasing the EU agri-food trade surplus to €18.8 billion, compared with €15.3 billion in 2015.
EU producers increased exports of non-commodity primary products (pig meat, vegetables). In addition, export values for processed agricultural products (wine, olive oil) and food preparation increased by 4 to 5% on average, while export values for commodities (wheat and other cereals, milk powder) and non-edible products went down.
Canada. This month’s report focuses on agri-food trade with Canada. The EU is a net-exporter of agri-food products to Canada, with a surplus of about €1.25 billion in 2016. A trade deal between the two is currently in the process of ratification (see EUROPE 11726). The main EU export products are value-added processed products, food preparations and beverages, with wine, spirits and liqueurs, confectionery, beer as well as pastries and biscuits being the most important product categories. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)