"The value-based growth of 5.6 per cent over the first half of 2011 is a remarkable result. The German agricultural and food sector is continuing its growth in exports," said Parliamentary Secretary and Export Officer at the Federal Agriculture Minister, Dr Gerd Müller.

Accordingly, in the first six months of this year food goods worth around € 28.8 billion were exported. Imports saw an increase of 3.7 per cent to EUR 33.6 billion.

Meat and meat products to the value of €4.3 billion were exported (+ 14.2 per cent). This growth was achieved primarily through sales in China, South Korea, and the Black Sea.

Exports of pork also rose.

Milk and milk products only saw a slight increase of 4.1 billion euros (+1.6 per cent), which was due to the positive trend in third country trade. Cheese exports increased in value and volume. For other products, such as butter, milk and sour milk products export values declined.

The export of grain and processed products was approximately €3.4 billion, the same value as last year. Due to the relatively low grain harvest of 2011, exports of cereals fell.