This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 8/1/2019

Bilateral agricultural trade between the United States and the EU totaled $ 37.4 billion in 2018, making the EU the 3rd largest export market for U.S. agricultural products after Canada and Mexico.  For the seventeenth year in a row, the U.S. has run a trade deficit in agriculture with the EU with a gap of $9.2 billion in 2018.  The main U.S. products exported to the EU by value are soybeans ($3.1 billion), tree nuts ($2.7 billion), forest products ($1.5 billion), fish and fish products ($975 million), distilled spirits ($822 million) and wine and beer ($563 million).

Global branding and further integration of European markets is continuing to produce a more homogeneous food and drink market in Europe although significant national differences in consumption remain.  Nevertheless, certain common trends are evident throughout the EU: demand for greater convenience, more openness to non-traditional foods, and a growing interest in health foods, organics and niche markets. For a thorough analysis of what commodities and products offer the best opportunities, access FAS/USEU and consult Brussels’ and the individual Member States' Food and Agricultural Import Regulation and Standards (FAIRS) Reports.

FAIRS Certification Report

Agricultural Documentation
Phytosanitary Certificates: Phytosanitary certificates are required for most fresh fruits, vegetables, and other plant materials.

Sanitary Certificates
For commodities composed of animal products or by-products, EU countries require that shipments be accompanied by a certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country.  This applies regardless of whether the product is for human consumption, for pharmaceutical use, or strictly for non-human use (e.g., veterinary biologicals, animal feeds, fertilizers, research).  The vast majority of these certificates are uniform throughout the EU but the harmonization process is still ongoing.  Most recently, certificates for a series of highly processed products including chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed cartilage products, chitosan, glucosamine, rennet, isinglass and amino acids have been harmonized.  In addition to the legally required EU health certificates, a number of other certificates are used in international trade.  These certificates, which may also be harmonized in EU legislation, certify origin for customs purposes and certain quality attributes.  Up-to-date information on harmonized import documentation can be found at the following website: FAIRS Export Certificate Report.

Agricultural Standards
The establishment of harmonized EU rules and standards in the food sector has been ongoing for several decades, but it took until January 2002 for the publication of a general food law establishing the general principles of EU food law. This Regulation introduced mandatory traceability throughout the feed and food chain as of Jan 1, 2005.  For specific information on agricultural standards, please refer to the Foreign Agricultural Service's website.

There are also export guides to import regulations and standards available on the Foreign Agricultural Service's website.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.