The annual value of EU agri-food exports in 2016 reached €130.7 billion, a new record level representing an increase of €1.7 billion from 2015. The biggest increases in annual 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 went down 1.5% to €112 billion.
Agri-food accounted for 7.5% of total EU exports in 2016, and 6.6% of all imported goods. Last year, EU producers increased exports of non-commodity primary products such as pigmeat or vegetables. With a surplus of €18.8 billion, the agri-food sector is also a major contributor to the overall surplus of the European Union in merchandise trade, which stood at €39.3 billion in 2016.
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.
Monitoring EU Agri-Food Trade provides monthly data on EU agri-food exports and imports. 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.