EU agri-food exports soar due to U.S., China markets

European Union (EU) countries experienced a surge in agri-food exports last year due to the strong market performance of its two largest trade partners -- the United States and China -- official data showed Wednesday.

In November 2016, the bloc managed to export agri-food valued at 11.7 billion euros (12.5 billion U.S. dollars), 813 million euros higher than one year ago, and hitting a new record, said the European Commission, the EU executive body which monitors trade development.

The surge was mainly attributed to Washington and Beijing as exports to the United States and China recorded increases of 146 million euros and 117 million euros respectively.

Despite a decrease in imports, the EU recorded a trade surplus worth up to 19 billion in agri-food between December 2015 and November 2016, and the United States and China again contributed the most, the EU said.

The value of exports to the United States during the 12 months reached 1.5 billion euros, increasing by 8.0 percent, while that to China hit 1.1 billion euros, up by 11 percent. Meanwhile, pork, spirits and liqueurs, and wine emerged as the bloc's most popular exports to those markets last year.

Looking ahead, the EU said it expected a further export increase as its trade deal with Andean countries welcomed new member Ecuador in January. (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollars) Endit