1. Are the present agriculture trade rules fair?
EU Agri-food trade in context
Outline of the presentation:
1) EU trade in agri-food products in 2016
- Trade with third countries
- Focus on Australia
2) Medium term prospects
Willi Schulz-Greve
European Commission DG Agriculture and Rural Development
Unit A1 Global issues and relations with ACP

2. 1. Trade is important for EU agriculture
on local markets
on national markets
within the EU single market
with countries outside the EU

3. Increasing share of primary products as well as of food industry products is exported in the EU
Shows increased productivity and competitiveness of EU agriculture and food industry
Underlines need to explore and develop trade relations with third countries

4. EU in global agri-food trade
Value of EU trade in agri-food products (exports and imports) at EUR billion in 2017
2017 EU agri-food exports at EUR billion, imports art at EUR 117.4 billion
This makes the EU the world's largest exporter and importer of agri-food products

5. Major agri-food exporters and importers

6. EU in global agri-food trade
Positive agri-food trade balance for 8 years in a row
sustainably produced, safe, high-quality and innovative food the EU's calling card on international agri-food markets
High value added products crucial - EU quality schemes help to cement recognition of EU products around the world

7. 2. Agri-food trade needs fair rules
on local and national markets unfair trading practices
within the EU single market: common agricultural policy competition (state aid) rules
with countries outside the EU Russian Ban US steel duties - bilateral and multilateral agreements

8. Role of CAP
CAP reforms have increased the market- orientation and competitiveness of EU producers
Farm policy has been in line with the EU's development objectives for many years
EU no longer offers agricultural export refunds
Market intervention only in case of crisis
Direct support widely decoupled from production

9. EU in global agri-food trade
Trade agreements benefit sector
Maintenance of high EU standards, e.g. Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures
Need for balance within trade agreements to assist sensitive sectors
Need to harness globalisation

10. 3. The EU is promoting fair rules in agri-food trade
EU grants favourable market access conditions for countries across the developing world (free access for LDCs and unilateral concessions to developing countries)
Economic Partnership Agreements allow partner countries to protect their sensitive agricultural products (exclusions and robust safeguards)

11. EU28 and Big5 imports from LDCs (to be updated with 2017 data)

12. Global context CAP of today is a pro-development policy
This equips EU to take leading role in global agricultural initiatives - promote multilateralism and advocate for open and rules based trade
Establish true partnership with developing countries to advance agriculture and rural potential – Rural Africa Task Force

13. Policy cooperation G20/G7 work on food security and agriculture
African Union European Union Ag Ministerials
Task Force for Rural Africa

14. Summary Trade is important for EU agriculture
Agri-food trade needs fair rules
The EU is promoting fair rules in agri-food trade unilaterally in multilateral fora in bilateral and regional agreements

15. Thank you

16. Trade: EU agri-food

17. EU28 main agri-trade products

18. EU28 main agri-trade partners