The micronutrient content of the European Union's agricultural trade

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies are decisive drivers of malnutrition and persistence of illnesses globally. International food trade is increasingly shaping land and food systems, through virtual trade in land and water, but also through affecting food supply by redistribution of micronutrients. However, trade flows of micronutrients between countries have not been systematically analyzed. In this study, we compiled food composition data for iron, zinc and vitamin A for European Union (EU) countries and 283 agricultural products and matched them with detailed international trade data for 190 countries. Our analysis shows that the EU is a global player in micronutrient trade. Between 2008 and 2012, the EU was net importing iron and zinc and 78% of iron contained in EU imports was sourced from regions facing micronutrient deficiencies. For vitamin A, the EU was a net exporter, of which 89% were exported to regions with malnutrition. Livestock feed imports were mainly responsible for EU net imports of iron and zinc. The results of our study indicate that EU trade has a strong influence on nutrient availability in many of its sourcing regions. This study is a first valuable step to explore trade induced movements of micronutrients, which are essential prerequisites for human well-being.