Agricultural exports of the EU fell to €17.8 billion in April, 17% lower than in March and the same as in April last year, due to a drop in export volumes for all product categories.
However, total exports in January-April were 10% higher (+ €6.8 billion) than in the same period last year.
This increase is mainly explained by higher export prices, while export volumes of some products also increased, such as vegetable oils (38%), oilseeds and protein crops (17%), margarine, other oils and fats (16%), cereals (7%).
The products with the largest changes in value were cereals, fruit, nuts and vegetables, and dairy products.
In January-April 2023, the three main destinations for EU agri-food exports were the UK, the US and China.
Compared to March, imports fell by 11% to €13 billion in April, down 4% compared to April last year.
However, in January-April total imports were 7% higher than in the same period last year.
Imports from Russia (40%), Argentina (14%, mainly protein crops), China (7%, mainly non-edible crops), the Philippines (39%, mainly margarine, other oils and fats) and Moldova (43%) are down.
Imports of sugar and isoglucose have increased significantly, worsening the trade balance for these products. Oil and protein crops, fruits, nuts, coffee, tea, cocoa and spices remained the most valuable commodities.
The EU’s main agricultural imports in January-April this year came from Brazil, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.