Although each country carries out its own agri-food production, on the world trade map there are two largest food exporters: the European Union and the United States. European countries supply all kinds of food to virtually all parts of the globe, although of course not every member of the European Union has the same share of food exports.

So which countries export the most food, and what exactly do they ship abroad?

Global food exporters in numbers

The European Union is the largest exporter of food - in 2018, the value of EU food exports reached almost USD 580 billion, which accounted for as much as 37% of global food exports. Other big players in the world food trade are non-European countries such as the United States ($145 billion), Brazil ($83 billion), China ($78 billion), Canada ($52 billion), Thailand ($36 billion) and India ($35 billion).

It should be remembered that global food trade is dynamic and subject to various trends. First of all, international food trade is constantly growing. This increase is due to greater globalization, technological advances, improved transport and communication infrastructure, and the growing demand for a variety of food products in different parts of the world. The structure of demand and export dynamically changed as a result of the armed conflict in Ukraine.

It is also clear that domestic food markets in developing countries are gaining in importance as exporters and importers of food. Food production in these countries is increasing, as well as their ability to export, which is often the result of investment in agriculture, modernization of the sector and improvement of infrastructure. The growing importance of Asia is also significant - although its share in the global food trade is smaller than that of Europe and the USA, the differences between the dominant countries and Asian countries may decrease in the coming years. Asia is a region with a significant increase in food trade. Population growth, rising incomes, urbanization and changing eating habits are contributing to greater demand for food in the region. Asia is becoming both an important destination market for food exports and a growing exporter of many agricultural products.

Changes in consumer preferences are quite significant. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to the quality, safety and environmental aspects of food. Demand for ecological, organic, local and fair trade products is increasing. Consumers are also more interested in high value and variety products. And in this matter, European countries, where food production is famous for its high standards and often also ecological farming methods, have a great chance for the development of trade.

Which EU countries are the largest exporters outside Europe?

In the generally understood food exports from the EU, several countries are in the lead. As can be seen, these are mostly developed countries with a large share of agriculture in the overall economy. Here is a list of the leading EU exporters:

  • Germany

Germany is one of the leading European food exporters also outside Europe. They export food products, such as butter, dairy products, meat, sweets, beverages and cereal products - especially in recent years, the export of German plant-based drinks (based on soy, oats, almonds and rice) has increased. The largest importers of German food are the USA, Great Britain and China.

  • France

France is also an important exporter of food outside Europe. French products, such as wines, cheeses, canned fish, meat, bread, alcoholic beverages and cereals, are valued and recognized in virtually all parts of the world, although it cannot be denied that other European countries are France's largest trading partners. Apart from the old continent, France exports the most to the USA and China.

  • Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the main exporters of food outside Europe. It exports a large amount of vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, onions, carrots, apples and pears. In addition, dairy products such as milk, cheese and milk drinks are also exported. Meat products also have a large share in Dutch food exports. The Netherlands is a phenomenon on a European scale: although the country itself does not have a large area, the unique climatic and economic conditions (including fertile soils and mild climate) allowed the Dutch to develop the status of an agricultural power.

  • Spain

Spain plays an important role in exporting food outside Europe. It exports olive oil, wine, seafood, fruit, vegetables, meats and cheeses to various countries around the world. The value of Spanish food exports exceeds EUR 30 billion annually, although other countries of the European Community account for as much as 93% of all recipients of Spanish food products. Outside Europe, most Spanish food – as in the case of France – goes to the USA and China.

  • Italy

Italy exports many food products outside Europe. They are famous for exporting high-quality food such as pasta, cheese, olive oil, wine, coffee, fruits (including fresh grapes) and vegetables. Italian cuisine is known and appreciated in all corners of the world, and the largest importers of Italian products outside the EU are the United States, Great Britain and Japan.

  • Poland

Poland also has a significant share in food exports outside Europe. Products such as cereals, meat (mainly pork), dairy products, fruits, vegetables (including apples), juices and drinks are exported to many countries on different continents. A particular "jump" in increasing Polish exports could be noticed in recent years. This may be due to the fact that Polish food combines the two most desirable features today: high quality of products (often produced in a traditional and ecological way) and an attractive and competitive price.

 

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