According to the French ministry of Agriculture, the agri-food trade surplus increased by 45% between 2010 and 2011. The value of the agri-food trade surplus reached €11.6 billion in 2011. Thanks to commodities such as grain (higher price), dairy, drink and meat, the growth of the French agri-food exports exceeded the growth of its imports.
The European Union has helped to boost the French agri-food sector and remains its best partner (Trade surplus with the EU: €6.5 billion, +41 %). Exports to other countries (non-EU) confirmed also the good health of the French agri-food sector (Trade surplus with non-EU countries: €5.1 billion, +50%).
2011 was a good year for both the French and Irish agri-food industries. Irish agri-food and drink exports hit a record of €9 billion (CSO estimates).
Source: Les échos, Agroalimentaire : l’excédent commercial fait un bond de 45 % en 2011, 13/02/2012