Spain’s non-EU fruit and veg on the rise while exports fall

Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports in the first quarter were up 17% year-on-year in the first quarter to around one million tons, with the volume from non-EU countries rising by 20%, according to data from the Spanish Federation of Associations of Exporting Producers of Fruits and Vegetables (Fepex). Imports from non-European countries reached 512,793 tons. Morocco was the main supplier in value during the first three months (€323.2 million) and the second supplier in terms of volume (132,544 tons). Total imports were worth €1.121 billion, climbing 20% compared to the same period in 2022, 65% of which (€724 million) came from non-European countries.

Fepex said the growth of Spanish imports from third countries “contrasts with the decline in Spanish exports to those countries.” In total, non-EU exports decreased by 25% in volume and 9% in value in the same period, totalling 92,921 tons and €125.8 million, according to data from the Customs and Excise Department of the Tax Agency.