The value of EU agri-food exports in November 2015 amounted to €10.9 billion, approximately €500 million higher than in November 2014, according to latest figures published by the European Commission.
Although this amount follows the usual seasonal slowdown in trade relative to October, figures for the 12 months from December 2014 to November 2015 show a 5.7% increase in value compared to the preceding 12 months.
It also says that there has been continued growth in exports to both the US and China, with the latter taking over as the EU’s second largest agri-food export destination after exports to Russia ceased.
The EU Commission has also said that exports to Saudi Arabia, Turkey and South Korea have shown increased growth in the last 12 months.
By sector, the highest rise in monthly export values were witnessed for vegetables and citrus fruit, as well as for wheat and for live animals.
However, at the same time, monthly export values for wine and for spirits have dropped.
Figures from the European Commission show that the value of EU agri-food imports remained at €9.5 billion, much the same level as in October 2015.
During November, there was an increase in the import value of tropical and other fruit, as well as cereals other than wheat.
In all, the trade balance for all EU agri-food products in November 2015 showed an export surplus of about €1.3 billion.
EU agri-food imports