Spain continues to strengthen its position as a key importing market for fruit and vegetables in Europe, with a strong preference for products from third countries.
From January to October 2024, Spanish imports of fresh fruit and vegetables reached a total value of 4.087 billion euros, registering a growth of 12% compared to the previous year, according to FEPEX data based on statistics of the Department of Customs and Special Taxes.
Products from countries outside the European Union (EU) represented 66% of the total value of imports, or 2.696 billion euros, marking an increase of 12%. At the same time, imports from EU member states totaled 1.390 billion euros, corresponding to 34% of the total, with an increase of 13%.
The overall volume of imports also increased, reaching 3.5 million tonnes, an increase of 7%. Third countries supplied 1.8 million tonnes, while imports from the EU amounted to 1.7 million tonnes.
Morocco has consolidated itself as Spain’s main trading partner in this sector, with exports reaching 801 million euros over the first ten months of 2024. This performance represents growth of 13% compared to the same period in 2023.
-Behind Morocco, Peru stood out with 501 million euros, showing significant growth of 22%. France occupies third position with 426 million euros, also up 22%.
Portugal comes in fourth place with exports of 350 million euros, recording an annual increase of 19%. On the other hand, the Netherlands, fifth supplier, saw their sales fall by 3%, to stand at 205 million euros.
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The increase in Spanish imports of fruit and vegetables illustrates the diversification of supplies and the importance of non-European partners in meeting growing demand. With a clearly increasing total value and increasing volumes, the Spanish market continues to demonstrate its dynamism, consolidating its central role in the international trade of fruit and vegetables.
