UK - online retail sales bump

Online accounted for 8.8% of all UK retail sales in 2020, well ahead of the 7.7% forecast by the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) that would be reached in 2024.

EU - exports and imports fall

EU exports for January 2021 were €13.5bn, down 11% on January 2020, and imports were €9.1bn, down 16% on January 2020.

China - maize area increases

In response to its increasing demand, maize area in China is forecast to increase by 3.3% for 2021 and production by 4.3% to 272Mt. This is almost as big as the EU’s total grain production estimate of 286Mt. This could decrease its import requirement.

US - record beef exports

US beef exports for March 2021 were just under 125,000t, the second-highest since BSE. The value exceeded $800m for the first time ($801.9).