The European Commission's 2024 agri-food report shows that both exports and imports in the sector reached a record level. Despite on-going global challenges, the EU agrifood trade balance is largely positive at €63.6 billion.
Year on year, cumulative EU agri-food exports increased by 3% (+€6.6 billion) to €235.4 billion. The UK remained the first destination of EU agri-food exports in 2024, representing 23% of EU exports (€53.9 billion). Exports to Russia and China declined.
The US was the second main destination of EU exports in 2024 (13% of EU exports) and had the largest increase compared to 2023 (+ EUR 3.3 billion, +12%).
China was the third main destination of EU exports in 2024 (6% of EU exports). However, EU exports to China registered the largest reduction, with a decrease of EUR 1.3 billion (-9%) compared to 2023.
While cereal preparations (€24.8 billion, 11%), dairy products (€19.7 billion, 8%), and wine (€17.4 billion, 7%) head the list of products in the sector, olives, and cocoa products had the biggest increases in value, due largely to price surges.
Imports in agri-food also reached a new record level, growing by 8% (+€12.4 billion) to €171.8 billion. This was primarily driven by a steep increase in the price of cocoa imports, as well as coffee and fruits and nuts. On their side, cereal exports went down due to lower prices and volumes.
The UK, Ukraine and Brazil remain the biggest sources of imported goods. Côte d’Ivoire, Ukraine and Nigeria saw the most significant increases in exports to the EU. Imports from Russia (-€865 million, -46%) and Australia (-€722 million, -28%) declined.
Read next
12:55
The European Union Council will hold hearings on May 27 regarding the possible suspension of Hungary’s voting rights within the Union. The information was published on the Council’s official website.
18:30
EU foreign ministers will convene in Brussels on 20th May. The upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
10:55
Foreign Secretary heads to EU Foreign Ministers meeting to highlight the need for a new, ambitious security relationship. David Lammy will attend attends high-level Gymnich EU talks in Poland.
10:27
The European Commission has presented a roadmap to ensure the EU fully ends its dependency on Russian energy, while ensuring stable energy supplies and prices across the EU.
15:24
In a boost for the green transition in the Middle East and North Africa, a joint guarantee agreement worth €300 million to facilitate the green transformation of urban areas and support the development of green hydrogen market in the Middle East and North Africa has been signed.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment