The dreary economic situation is also affecting the country at home agriculture and Food industry noticeable. Exports are stalling. Although there was an increase of 7.2 percent in terms of quantity for agricultural products in the first half of the year, they declined in terms of value 2.3 percent on 8.29 billion euros back.
Imports have increased by 6.1 percent on 9.2 billion euros. The deficit in agricultural foreign trade has therefore increased from 200 900 million euros more than quadrupled. The high proportion of imports increases the pressure on producers and manufacturers, said AMA-Marketing-Managing Director Christina Mutenthaler-Sipek.
The exports processed foods stagnated in the first six months of this year and amounted to 5.2 billion euros. “Food manufacturers are losing price competitiveness,” warned Katharina Koßdorffmanaging director of the Food industry trade association. There was growth in imports 4.5 billion euros. However, the food industry’s foreign trade balance remains positive
Germany’s most important export market
The most important export market for both processed and non-processed foods is Germany, with a share of 40 and 37 percent respectively.
In the agricultural sector, exports to neighboring countries increased 1.4 percent. In the food industry they even took over 4 percent to. If exports to the neighboring country were taken into account, the result would be a minus of 2.2 percent, said Koßdorff: Germany can be relied on despite the gloomy economic situation. In other important buyer countries – Italy, Hungary, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and France – exports fell.
New seal of quality
The most popular export products were meat and milk and dairy products. The AMA has the seal of quality so that the latter can continue to be listed in the German food trade in the future “Animal Husbandry Plus” introduced, which, among other things, gives cows more freedom of movement and better health checks. 13,000 farmers or 80 percent of Austrian dairy farmers have already switched to it, said AMA Marketing Managing Director Mutenthaler-Sipek.
List of demands for the next government
Food manufacturers are sending a long list of demands to the next federal government, above all a reduction in food consumption Additional wage costs. Labor costs have risen more sharply in Austria compared to other markets. This harms competitiveness, said association managing director Koßdorff. But competitive ones are also necessary Energy prices and Reducing bureaucracy.
Inflation dampening
However, the time of sharp price increases for food is probably over. Food inflation is constantly declining, said Koßdorff. In August she was 1.8 percent. It has been below general inflation since February: “It will stay there.”