The latest EU agri-food trade figures published today(Nov.26, 20219, show that trade continues to increase steadily, with exports increasing by 7 % compared to the first eight months of 2020.
The total value of EU agri-food trade (exports plus imports) for January-August 2021 reached a value of EUR 210.5 billion, reflecting a 5.1 % increase on the same period last year. Exports rose by 7 % to EUR 127.5 billion, while imports grew by 2.3 % to EUR 85 billion, giving a total agri-food trade surplus of EUR 44 billion for the first eight months of the year. This is an increase of 17 % compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
Positive figures were reported in exports to the United States, which grew by EUR 2 billion or 15 %, largely driven by strong performances from wine, and spirit and liqueurs. Additionally, exports to China rose by EUR 812 million, while increases in values were also reported in exports to Switzerland (up EUR 531 million), South Korea (up EUR 464 million), Norway (up EUR 393 million) and Israel (up EUR
288 million). Exports to the United Kingdom during this period (EUR 116 million) were nearly at the same value as they were last year. Exports to a number of countries declined compared the same period in 2020. The largest decline was seen in exports to Saudi Arabia, which fell by EUR 399 million or 16 %. Other notable decreases were reported in exports to Hong Kong (down EUR 103 million) and Kuwait (down EUR 101 million). Regarding specific product categories, the first eight months of 2021 saw major increases in the export values of wine (up EUR 2.5 billion) and spirits and liqueurs (up EUR 1.3 billion), representing increases of 31% and 32% respectively. Decreases were reported for exports of wheat (down EUR 892 million) and infant food (down EUR 736 million). The most notable increases in the value of imports were seen in oilcakes (up EUR 1.1 billion), soya beans (up EUR 1.1 billion), fatty acids and waxes (up EUR 500 million), palm and kernel oil (up EUR 479 million), and cocoa beans (up EUR 291 million). The highest decreases in import values, on the other hand, were seen in tropical fruit, nuts and spices (down EUR 669 million), fruit juices (down EUR 194 million), citrus fruits (down EUR 159 million), raw tobacco (down EUR 158 million), and rice (down EUR 140 million). More information is available here and on EU agri-food trade here