Agricultural exports from Germany rose by 8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, the country's farm ministry has revealed.

On Tuesday, timing the release to coincide with a trade fair which offers German companies a platform to launch themselves into international markets, BMELV announced the German agri-food sector had enjoyed a significant increase in export trade. This year, BMELV said German trade expos are focusing on sustainable food and agriculture.

Opening the Foreign Trade Congress, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle and Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner said in a joint statement, "Sustainable business – keeping a production base and future generations in mind – has a 300 tradition in Germany. Today German Foods are known for their quality and sustainability, but German agricultural machinery and agricultural skills are in also demand abroad."

Aigner added that the sustainability theme had been chosen "Because only sustainable production ensures a permanent income."

The export value of the German agri-food sector increased by 8.1 percent to €15.4 billion; most product groups saw increases in both export tonnage and average value, according to BMELV.

As with the UK, EU Member States account for most of Germany's exports, accounting for about three-quarters of exports by value (€11.7 billion). Intra-European trade increased by nine percent over the first quarter of 2013. The growth in trade with third countries rose by 5.3 percent to € 3.8 billion, BMELV said on Tuesday.

However, although German authorities reported growth, trade with two major third country partners declined; trade with Russia and the United States dropped off slightly. Russia is Germany's second most important trade partner outside the EU, behind Switzerland.

German exports of over €100 million were made to seven other third countries. These include Saudi Arabia (€262 million), China (€197), Norway (€139), Iran (€112), Turkey (€112) Ukraine (€109) and Japan (€109).

Although exports rose significantly over the period, they remained below import levels, which reached €16.8 billion in Q1 (a rise of 0.2 percent).