BELGIUM: EU agri-food exports to third countries increased in value by more than 6 per cent compared to the preceding 12-month period, according to annual data.
EU agri-food imports also increased by 8 per cent over the year compared to one year ago. On a monthly basis, imports went down in August 2015 compared to July 2015 by 7 per cent.
Over the 12 month period assessed, major gains in export values were achieved in the US (+18 per cent), Turkey (+27 per cent) and China (+37 per cent), replacing Russia as the second largest export destination, as well as in other key Asian markets such as Hong Kong and South Korea.
The latest trade balance for EU all agri-food products in August 2015 showed a surplus in exports by more than €1 billion, in spite of a significant decrease in value of agri-food exports and imports the same month, following record sales in July.
Looking at individual products categories, milk powders, cheese, fruit and vegetables lost in export values over the 12 months period, all of them products suffering from the Russian embargo. Sheep and goat meat also suffered a loss of 15 per cent in export values (although at minor absolute value compared to other products).
Live cattle and beef exports were particularly strong, whilst cereals also saw an increase in export value.
