On September 27, 2024, the EU released data on imports and exports of agri-food products for the first half of 2024 The main elements include:
(1) Exports. cumulative exports reached €116.4 billion in January-June, a slight increase of €1.1 billion or 1% compared to 2023. EU exports to the United States increased the most, by €1 billion or 8%, mainly due to higher prices for olives and olive oil. Exports to China fell by €689 million, or 9%, mainly due to decreases in several of the EU's main exports to China, notably pork, dairy and cereal products. Overall, EU exports of olives and olive oil soared by €1.4 billion, or 58%, due to higher prices compared to 2023, while exports of sugar and isomalto-glucosides also saw a significant increase, rising by €435 million, or 146%. Against the backdrop of falling cereal prices, cereal exports increased by 8% compared to 2022 to 25.1 million tons. Wheat exports alone increased by 2.7 million tons. The EU continues to play a role in global food security. On the other hand, EU exports of wine and wine-based products fell by 6% in value and vegetable oil exports by 36%, both due to lower prices and reduced volumes;

(2) Imports. Cumulative imports in the first half of the year amounted to 82.7 billion euros, unchanged compared to 2023. Imports of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices increased significantly by EUR 2.8 billion or 27%, mainly due to high cocoa prices, while imports of oilseeds and protein crops decreased by EUR 2.1 billion or 18%.