The Analysis of the Export Competitiveness of the EU Food Manufacturing Sector1

The food industry is one of Europe's most important and dynamic industrial sectors. The degree of competitiveness of the food manufacturing sector in 27 EU countries is analysed empirically, using Eurostat and other relevant data. The EU food industry is currently confronted with several main challenges: high food prices on world markets, administrative burdens and lack of innovation. The main aim of this article is to explore and explain the crucial role of food industry and provide a complete analysis of the comparative advantage and the overall export competitiveness of the mentioned subsector. The methodology of the paper is based on applying indicators of comparative advantage, industry trade and export competitiveness.