Despite strained political relations between the European Union (EU) and China, the EU’s chief agricultural official, Wojciechowski, believes there is significant untapped potential for growth in agri-food trade between the two regions. In an interview with the Post in Shanghai, Wojciechowski, leading a delegation of over 70 business representatives from the agri-food sector, emphasized the importance of excluding food products from political disputes and highlighted the critical role of open food trade in ensuring global food security.
The EU is a major exporter of agri-food products to China, with exports totaling €17.7 billion (US$18.9 billion) in 2020. The EU’s main exports to China include infant food, cereals, pork, and wine. China, in turn, is a significant source of food imports for the EU, with the EU importing over €5.1 billion worth of agri-food goods from China in 2020.
To protect the quality and origin of agricultural products, the EU and China have agreed on a system of geographical indications (GIs). Under this agreement, 100 European products and 100 Chinese products have been granted GI status, which certifies their authenticity and origin.
Wojciechowski’s delegation, representing a total business value of €350 billion, is also attending a major food and beverage trade fair in Shenzhen later this week. The delegation aims to expand the EU’s presence in the Chinese market and tap into the growing demand for high-quality food among Chinese consumers.
Wojciechowski stressed the importance of Ukraine as a major exporter to China and the need for China to increase its purchases from Ukraine. He believes that doing so would contribute to the stabilization of the global food market.
The EU and China have a long history of cooperation in the agri-food sector. The two sides have worked together to develop a mutually beneficial trading relationship that has benefited both sides. Despite the current political tensions, there is a strong foundation for continued growth in EU-China agri-food trade.
