Morocco takes lead in Spain’s non-EU fruit and vegetable imports
MOROCCO – Morocco has reinforced its status as Spain’s primary non-EU provider of fruits and vegetables, according to data from the Spanish Department of Customs and Special Taxes, processed by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Live Plants (FEPEX).
In January 2024, Spain imported EUR 261 million (USD 276.97 million) worth of fruits and vegetables from non-EU nations, representing 67% of the total imports.
Meanwhile, imports from EU countries amounted to EUR 129 million (USD 136.89 million). These figures mirror previous years’ patterns closely.
Overall, Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports for January 2024 surged by 26% compared to the same month in 2023, reaching EUR 390 million (USD 413.87 million).
In terms of quantity, imports from non-EU countries accounted for 48% of the total volume, tallying 164,860 tons, while imports from EU member states made up the remaining 52%, totaling 180,335 tons. This amounted to a total volume of 345,195 tons, marking an 11% increase from January 2023.
Morocco notably solidified its position as Spain’s top non-EU supplier. In January 2024, Spain imported EUR 134 million (USD 142.2 million) worth of fruits and vegetables from Morocco, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. The volume of purchases from Morocco rose by 31%, reaching 57,534 tons.
Conversely, France maintained its status as the leading EU supplier to Spain. Spain imported 110,448 tons of French fruits and vegetables in January 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, with imports valued at EUR 50 million (USD 53.06 million), a 15% increase from the same month in 2023.
FEPEX’s data underscores Morocco’s increasing significance as a primary source of fresh produce for Spain and its substantial role in driving Spain’s overall fruit and vegetable import growth.
This upward trajectory aligns with Morocco’s broader position as a key supplier to the European Union. In February 2024, FEPEX reported that Morocco’s exports of fresh produce to the EU from January to September 2023 amounted to EUR 1.83 billion (USD 1.94 million), reflecting a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Over this period, Morocco exported 1.04 million tons of fruits and vegetables to the EU, further solidifying its status as a crucial trade partner in the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the surge of Egyptian oranges in the EU market has raised concerns among Spanish producers.
Egypt, the world’s leading fresh orange exporter, heavily relies on access to Asia, its primary market. However, disruptions in the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks have redirected Egyptian exports towards the EU.
The influx of Egyptian oranges has impacted Spain’s citrus sector, leading to a significant drop in prices and domestic production.
Spanish producers have urged authorities to mandate the indication of orange origin on juice labels to ensure consumer awareness.
These concerns echo previous grievances regarding Moroccan tomatoes, accused of unfair competition in both Spain and France. In the 2022/2023 period, Egypt exported 458,408 tons of oranges to the EU, surpassing South Africa as the bloc’s leading supplier.
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Morocco takes lead in Spain’s non-EU fruit and vegetable imports
MOROCCO – Morocco has reinforced its status as Spain’s primary non-EU provider of fruits and vegetables, according to data from the Spanish Department of Customs and Special Taxes, processed by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Live Plants (FEPEX).
In January 2024, Spain imported EUR 261 million (USD 276.97 million) worth of fruits and vegetables from non-EU nations, representing 67% of the total imports.
Meanwhile, imports from EU countries amounted to EUR 129 million (USD 136.89 million). These figures mirror previous years’ patterns closely.
Overall, Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports for January 2024 surged by 26% compared to the same month in 2023, reaching EUR 390 million (USD 413.87 million).
In terms of quantity, imports from non-EU countries accounted for 48% of the total volume, tallying 164,860 tons, while imports from EU member states made up the remaining 52%, totaling 180,335 tons. This amounted to a total volume of 345,195 tons, marking an 11% increase from January 2023.
Morocco notably solidified its position as Spain’s top non-EU supplier. In January 2024, Spain imported EUR 134 million (USD 142.2 million) worth of fruits and vegetables from Morocco, marking a 45% increase from the previous year. The volume of purchases from Morocco rose by 31%, reaching 57,534 tons.
Conversely, France maintained its status as the leading EU supplier to Spain. Spain imported 110,448 tons of French fruits and vegetables in January 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year, with imports valued at EUR 50 million (USD 53.06 million), a 15% increase from the same month in 2023.
FEPEX’s data underscores Morocco’s increasing significance as a primary source of fresh produce for Spain and its substantial role in driving Spain’s overall fruit and vegetable import growth.
This upward trajectory aligns with Morocco’s broader position as a key supplier to the European Union. In February 2024, FEPEX reported that Morocco’s exports of fresh produce to the EU from January to September 2023 amounted to EUR 1.83 billion (USD 1.94 million), reflecting a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
Over this period, Morocco exported 1.04 million tons of fruits and vegetables to the EU, further solidifying its status as a crucial trade partner in the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, the surge of Egyptian oranges in the EU market has raised concerns among Spanish producers.
Egypt, the world’s leading fresh orange exporter, heavily relies on access to Asia, its primary market. However, disruptions in the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks have redirected Egyptian exports towards the EU.
The influx of Egyptian oranges has impacted Spain’s citrus sector, leading to a significant drop in prices and domestic production.
Spanish producers have urged authorities to mandate the indication of orange origin on juice labels to ensure consumer awareness.
These concerns echo previous grievances regarding Moroccan tomatoes, accused of unfair competition in both Spain and France. In the 2022/2023 period, Egypt exported 458,408 tons of oranges to the EU, surpassing South Africa as the bloc’s leading supplier.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.