Assessing the dynamic of agri-food export trends before and after the EU Eastern Enlargement

Abstract

This study examines the evolution in development of Intra-European Union agri-food export during the period 2000–2011. By using Data Envelopment Window Analysis, this paper at first provides a more comprehensive picture on agri-food trade performance of sampled New Member States, focusing the attention on the pre and post phase of the enlargement process. Two specific country case studies will be released, revealing different patterns of performance among New EU Member States. The majority of New EU Member States differed in their approach in benefiting from the opportunity to enter into the EU enlarged market, and some of theme preferred to strengthen established trade relations with a past group of partner countries. In the future, the increase in the export flows of quality products together with the ability to enter new end-markets within the EU will largely depend on the agri-food sector units’ abilities to efficiently compete and sustain competitiveness in the European and global markets. The overall performance could be improved by strengthening the quality side of exported goods, to better comply with EU quality standards and to acquire a more competitive advantage in the single market.