The value of EU agri-food exports reached a record high in October 2018, according to the European Commission's latest report on trade in these products, published on Thursday 10 January.
Total exports of European agricultural products were valued at €13.1 billion, 2.9% higher than the previous record set in March 2017, the report states.
The monthly trade surplus in the agri-food sector stood at €3 billion (13% compared to October 2017) and is the second best recorded surplus.
The EU's export values were fairly evenly distributed between the fastest growing sectors, beverages and commodities. Significant increases in exports were recorded for spirits and liqueurs (gain of €167 million), cereals (up €93 million), wheat (up €73 million) and wine and vermouth (up €70 million).
Import volumes also increased by 5% (compared to October 2017). Bilateral trade between the EU and the US has continued to grow, with imports from the US increasing by €245 million. Imports from China (€80 million) and Russia (€71 million) also increased sharply. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)