The highest increases in monthly export values in February 2016 were witnessed for the US (+15 per cent) and China (+13.5 per cent).
For the past 12 months, imports increased by 8.4 per cent compared to the same period one year ago, the export surplus standing at about €16 billion.
This month's report focuses on EU trade with China, which is the second most important destination and the fourth most important origin for EU agri-food imports.
In 2015, exports to China increased in all major product groups with the most significant hike in commodities (+71 per cent; from €1 billion to €1.7 billion).
For example, pork exports to China more than doubled (from €432 million to €934 million) in 2015 which demonstrates the importance of pig meat in EU exports to China.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan is this week on a visit to China and Japan accompanied by a business delegation of European agri-food executives representing key sectors in the EU trade.
Opening up new markets and promoting consumption of EU dairy products and pig meat is one of his priorities.
