The U.S. has become Europe’s main supplier of soya beans, reaching a 69% share compared to 38% in the same period last year (July to end November 2017). During this period last year, the EU had imported 1,868,652 tonnes of U.S. soya beans while our current imports are now peaking at 3,722,860 tonnes. This also means that the EU is now by far the top destination of US soya beans exports (27%), followed by Argentina and Mexico (each accounting for 10%.

Following the EU-U.S. Joint Statement by Presidents Juncker and Trump on 25 July, the European Commission is regularly publishing figures on EU imports of soya beans. The two sides have agreed to increase trade in several areas and products, notably soya beans.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, said: “Due to a variety of other market and climatic factors, European protein crop production is not sufficient to cover the growing demand. When it comes to soya, EU self-sufficiency amounts to only 5% of our needs. So while we look at developing our growth potential for EU-grown plant proteins, we will continue to import soya beans from our partners, including the United States who is now our main supplier.” 

Today’s report shows that:

•     Compared to the first 22 weeks of the 2017 marketing year (July to end-November) EU imports of soya beans from the United States are up by 100% at 3,722,860 tonnes;
•     In terms of the EU’s total imports of soya beans, the U.S. share is now at 69%, compared to 38% in in the same period last year. This puts the U.S. well ahead of Brazil (25%), the EU’s second main supplier, followed by Canada (2%), Paraguay (1%) and Uruguay (1%);

Background

The EU imports about 14 million tonnes of soya beans per year as a source of protein to feed our animals, including chicken, pigs and cattle, as well as for milk production. Soya beans from the US happen to be a very attractive feed option for European importers and users thanks to their competitive prices.

The data included in the report published today on soya beans, comes from the Crops Market Observatory which the European Commission launched in July 2017 to share market data and short-term analysis to ensure more transparency. 

For more information 

Annex

 * Updated on 30/11/18 at 23:25

I will be brief. There are three points that I would like to make:

Number 1:

The EU was, is and will be open for fair business. Since we last met in this format in Hamburg, the EU has made significant progress in the implementation of its ambitious trade agenda; as a matter of fact we have ongoing talks with most of the countries around this table. We have started seeing the first encouraging results of the implementation of the trade agreement we signed with Justin (Canada) that entered into force in 2017 (and eliminates tariffs on 98% of products). Together with Shinzo we signed an ambitious trade agreement last July that will create an open trade zone covering over 600 million people and nearly one third of global domestic product; this signature was followed last month by the one with Singapore and Vietnam is soon to come. There remain a few legal technicalities to be sorted out with Mexico but we will be there soon. We have ongoing talks with inter alia with Australia, China, India and Indonesia. Let me say one word too about our talks with the United States. The President of the U.S. and I have come to a common understanding of how to develop our trade relationship – the biggest in the world, worth $ 1 trillion – and we are working hard to fulfil our joint ambition of slashing costs and further easing trade. I have to tell you that U.S. LNG exports to the EU have increased by 53% since July, and soya beans imports from the U.S. to the EU have increased by 100%. Our commitment stands.

Number 2:

Brexit. Last week the EU and the U.K. struck a deal that will allow to start disentangle ties that have grown over more than 40 years. This is the best deal possible, in fact: it is the only deal available. While building our new relationship, we will endeavour to remain as close as possible with a particular focus on preserving highly integrated commercial exchanges.

Number 3:

WTO reform. No need to remind why it is a must. All around this room have signed up to the need to do it. What we need now is swift and determined action. If we want to reform the system and make it fairer, we need to arrive to a common understanding of what this means. The EU has put forward proposals to this effect. Earlier this month, we co-sponsored with inter alia Argentina, Japan and the United States, concrete proposals on transparency and notifications. And no later than last Monday we presented ideas on how to move forward on the reform of the Appellate Body together with Australia, Canada, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Singapore and others.

All our proposals can certainly be improved but we want to kick-off a concrete discussion; let us not remain stuck in abstract concepts. We look forward to engaging with all of you on all the proposals on the table.

It is crucial that the G20 provides strong political support to the ongoing efforts; we should agree to instruct our Trade Ministers to work together and with other partners in Geneva to make it happen. We should achieve concrete progress by our next Summit in Osaka.

For more information:

Press release “United States is Europe’s number one soya beans supplier with EU imports up by 100%”

Factsheet “EU-U.S. LNG TRADE”

The Council today agreed its position (partial general approach) on the regulation on Horizon Europe. Horizon Europe is the next framework programme on research and innovation for the years 2021 to 2027.

Today’s agreement does not cover the budgetary aspects of the draft regulation, given that the final amounts will depend on the agreement reached on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. A number of other issues of a horizontal nature have also been set aside pending progress in related files (e.g. InvestEU, Structural Funds). Today’s agreement on the Council’s position is an important step towards the adoption of the regulation together with the European Parliament.

Europe’s future growth and prosperity depends on its ability to remain a world leader in research and innovation. Today’s agreement provides us with the framework needed to achieve this goal.

Heinz Fassmann, Austrian Federal Minister for Education, Science and Research

The programme merges two regulations s (Framework Programme and   rules for participation and dissemination) into a single legal act and includes a number of improvements by way of simplification and increased openness.

The regulation lays down the objectives of the programme, and will include the budget for the period 2021–2027, the ways in which the programme is funded and the rules on how the funding is provided. It is the Union’s flagship programme to support R&I from concept to market uptake, and complements national and regional funding.

The programme will be based on three complementary and interconnected pillars. The first pillar (Excellent science) supports excellent basic science. It strengthens the Union’s scientific leadership and will develop high-quality knowledge and skills. The second pillar (Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness) supports research which addresses societal challenges and industrial technologies in areas such as health, security, digital and key enabling technologies, climate, energy, mobility, food and natural resources. Alongside these areas, a limited number of research missions and partnerships will be introduced. Any given mission (e.g. zero carbon emission cities) will contain a portfolio of research activities. The third pillar (Innovative Europe) focuses on scaling up breakthrough and disruptive innovation by establishing a European Innovation Council. The latter will offer a one-stop-shop for high-potential innovators. In addition to the three pillars, a horizontal section will improve the programme’s delivery for widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area and includes measures to support member states in making the most of their national research and innovation potential.

The Horizon Europe package consists of proposals for:

1. a framework programme for research and innovation including the rules for participation and dissemination entitled ‘Horizon Europe’, the successor to the current Horizon 2020 framework programme.;
2. a specific programme to implement ‘Horizon Europe’;
3. a research and training programme under the Euratom Treaty complementing Horizon Europe;
4. a Council Decision amending Decision 2007/198/Euratom establishing the European Joint Undertaking for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

The Horizon Europe package is expected to strengthen the EU’s scientific and technological base in order to help tackle the major global challenges and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. At the same time, it should boost the Union’s competitiveness, including that of its industries. The package will help deliver on the Union’s strategic priorities and support the development and implementation of Union policies.

The Commission has proposed a total budget for the programme of 100 billion euros. Overall the programme is expected to increase EU’s gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 0.08% to 0.19% over 25 years and create up to 100 000 jobs in R&I activities for the years 2021 to 2027.

The proposal provides for the programme to start on 1 January 2021. The agreed text will become available on 3 December 2018 on this page.

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Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport), Monday 3 December 2018

The Council will aim for a general approach on a number of proposals including key rules for the road transport sector, and for a partial general approach on the proposal on the Connected Europe Facility (CEF). The proposals to stop seasonal time changes and update rail passenger rights will be the subject of a progress report.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), Tuesday 4 December 2018

The Council will aim to agree a partial general approach on the proposed Digital Europe programme. It will assess progress and exchange views on a draft regulation on ePrivacy. It will also take stock of progress on a proposal to establish a European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and a Network of National Coordination Centres.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Tuesday 4 December 2018

The Council will discuss the digital services tax, take stock of progress on completing the banking union, and adopt an action plan on tackling anti-money laundering.

Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home), Thursday 6 December 2018

Home Affairs ministers are expected to discuss the European Border and Coast Guard, the prevention of dissemination of terrorist content online and the Justice and Home Affairs priorities for the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

Justice and Home Affairs Council (Justice), Friday 7 December 2018

Justice ministers are expected to reach agreement on a number of files, including the e-evidence regulation, the sales of goods directive and the so-called Brussels IIa regulation on parental responsibility in cross border cases.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Thursday 6 December 2018

Ministers will aim at reaching a general approach on a proposal for a regulation establishing a European Labour Authority and a proposal for a Directive on carcinogens or mutagens at work (third batch) with the aim of reaching a general approach on both proposals. They will also hold a policy debate on the European semester 2019.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Friday 7 December 2018

Ministers will focus on ways to strengthen the cooperation against vaccine preventable diseases and will hold an exchange of views on tackling vaccine hesitancy at national and EU level.

Foreign Affairs Council, Monday 10 December 2018

Foreign ministers will discuss Venezuela, the Western Balkans and EU- African Union cooperation.

General Affairs Council, Tuesday 11 December 2018

The Council will discuss the next multiannual financial framework, prepare the December European Council and approve its 18-month programme. Under Article 7(1) TEU, it will hold a hearing on the rule of law in Poland and exchange views on the respect for EU values in Hungary.

European Council and Euro Summit, Thursday 13 & Friday 14 December 2018

The European Council on 13-14 December 2018 will focus on the EU’s long-term budget, single market, migration, disinformation and external relations. The Euro summit is expected to take decisions on the reform of the economic and monetary union.

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