Romania’s food imports increase almost 10%

Romania imported food products worth EUR 5.7 billion in the first 11 months of 2016, up 9.6% over the same period of 2015 while exports rose by only 2.7% during the same period, according to data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR). The trade deficit in agricultural products amounted to EUR 292.4 million at the end of November 2016, compared to a surplus of EUR 65.3 million during the same period in 2015. Wheat dominated the exports, with revenues of over EUR 1 billion and a volume of 6.2 million tons, more than two times higher compared to the same period in 2015. The exports of rapeseed advanced by EUR 225.6 million whereas the exports of processed food went up by EUR 25.8 million. The exports of chocolate rose by EUR 15.2 million. Meanwhile, Romania recorded decreases in the exports of barley (EUR 91.3 million), sunflower oil (EUR 49.1 million), and oilcakes (EUR 28.4 million). Imports advanced on almost all food segments year-on-year, but mostly on wheat (EUR 108.5 million), bakery products (EUR 40.9 million), and chocolate (EUR 36.1 million). The imports of corn decreased by EUR 180.2 million whereas the imports of soya groats dropped by EUR 57.2 million. editor@romania-insider.com