In the course of 2023, pasta production within the European Union reached a total of 6.2 million tons, remaining practically at the same level as the previous year, when 6.1 million tons were recorded. However, although the volume remained stable, the economic value of the sector experienced a significant increase of 1.1 billion euros, reaching a total of 8.9 billion euros.
Italy confirmed its leadership position as the main pasta producer within the EU bloc, with a production of 4.2 million tons, equivalent to 68% of the total volume of the EU, and generating a value of 6.2 billion euros, representing 70% of the total value in the sector. This Italian dominance was followed by Spain, which produced nearly half a million tons, representing 8% of the total, and France, which with over 260,000 tons, reached 4% of the total volume produced in the European Union.
The export of pasta within the European market reached almost 2.7 million tons in 2023, with over half of the exports (57%) directed to other EU member countries. Italy again topped the list of exporters, with 2 million tons, representing a significant 76% of total exports. In second position was Spain, which exported approximately 130,000 tons of pasta, accounting for 5% of the total exported by EU countries.
On the other hand, within the EU internal market, Germany stood out as the main importer, with 440,733 tons, representing 28% of European imports, closely followed by France, which imported 371,966 tons, equivalent to 24% of the total.
Outside the EU scope, the United Kingdom and the United States stood out as the main destinations for European pasta exports. The UK imported 307,481 tons, constituting 26% of exports outside the EU, while the United States received 243,646 tons, representing 21% of these extracommunity exports.
This remarkable performance of the sector coincides with the celebration of World Pasta Day on October 25, highlighting not only the economic relevance that this food has for the European economy but also its importance in the daily diet of millions of people around the world. In this context, pasta is not only manifested as a basic and popular food but as an economic engine that continues to drive the growth and international competitiveness of the European food sector.
via: MiMub in Spanish
