Did you know EU agri-food exports are often built on imports?

The EU is one of the world’s leading exporters of agri-foods, exporting in 2023 products worth €228 Billion while the value of imports is only €158 Billion [1].

It is well-known that the EU animal farming sector relies heavily on imported feeds, but it is less well known that 40% of high value-added goods which are exported, such as chocolate and coffee, depend on imports of raw agricultural commodities [2]. Losing access to international trade would cut a sizable portion out of the economically significant EU agri-food business.

Trade is not only essential for supporting livestock farmers and the food industry, but it also enables EU citizens to enjoy a wide variety of safe, nutritious, and tasty foods. Global food supply chains provide essential access to foods such as exotic fruits, spices, and year-round fresh fruits and vegetables.

[1] Agriculture and rural development | European Commission

[2] EU AGRI-FOOD TRADE | CropLife Europe