EU becomes world’s largest exporter of food

The European Union became the largest exporter in the world of agricultural and food products last year, with increased demand particularly from developing countries.

The exports of milk, pig-meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables but in particular of wheat and barley, increased significantly.

Total agri-food exports were worth €120bn, with China showing the biggest increase in imports from the EU; China was the second fastest growing market behind Saudi Arabia.

Exports to the US saw only a modest growth while imports, especially of animal feed increased sharply, according to the Commission’s annual report.

Overall the growth in EU agri-food exports at 5.8%, was slower than in 2012 when the increase was 12% and 17% in 2011.

The EU agricultural trade balance was increased to €18.6bn last year, attributed to higher exports, as imports remained roughly the same according to the report.

Last year exports of wheat and barley accounted for more than a third of the value of exports, particularly to Algeria and Saudi Arabia.

Food preparations for infants increased significantly also with the main markets being China and Hong Kong. Whiskey exports dropped and wine did not increase significantly.

The report says that the EU’s competitiveness last year was hampered by the increased value of the euro against major currencies such as the Japanese yen, the Canadian and US dollars, the Russian rouble and the Swiss franc. But 90% of the export gains for the 15 most dynamic products came from increased quantities exports, with 10% determined by higher prices.