The latest figures show that the highest increases in monthly export values (April 2016 compared to April 2017) were recorded for Turkey (+ €87 million) and Korea (+ €86 million). Other gains in EU agri-food exports came mainly from Asia (Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia). Monthly exports to China, the USA, Egypt and Algeria decreased.
On a rolling annual basis (May 2016 to April 2017), EU agri-food exports rose 3.4% to €133.2 billion compared to the same period a year earlier.
Similar to last month milk powders saw the highest export growth, followed by cigars and cigarettes, infant food and wine. Wheat exports (EUR -154 million) further reduced in value terms. Also pork and other cereals lost export value compared to April 2016.
Despite a reduction in pig meat exports in April 2017 export performance increased significantly over the last twelve months (EUR +1.1 billion; +25%). Other product categories that perform well include infant food (EUR +570 million; +9%) wine (EUR +606 million; +6%), meat offal (EUR +511 million; 21%) and olive oil (EUR +331 million; +14%).
Other cereals exports experience the biggest drop on an annual base (EUR -926 million; -34%), closely followed by wheat exports (EUR -677 million; -12%). Raw hides and skins (EUR -542 million; -25%) and eggs and honey (EUR -134 million; -17%) also lost in export values over the last 12 months.
Agri-food imports from third countries in the 12-months period May 2016 to April 2017 accounted for over EUR 114 billion, i.e. an increase by 1% compared to the same period one year ago. Nevertheless, driven by the strong export performance, the export surplus for the 12-months period amounts to EUR 18.6 billion (+20%).
Main origins for EU agri-food imports over the past 12 months were Brazil, USA, Argentina and China, followed by Switzerland, Indonesia, Turkey and Ukraine.
Wednesday June 21, 2017/ EC/ European Union.
https://ec.europa.eu