EU import of fruits and vegetables from third countries is increasing

The Community import of fruits and vegetables from third countries stood at 14,591 million euros until October 2019, 2% more than in the same period of the previous year, while the volume stabilized at 14.2 million tons, according to Eurostat data, processed by FEPEX.

In fruits, the most important increases in the analyzed period: from January to October 2019, have been the products accounted for in tariff item 0804, which includes pineapple and avocado, with 2,748 million euros, 15% more and 1.8 million tons (-1%), followed by citrus fruits with 1,621 million euros, 4% more and 2 million tons (-12%). Purchases of bananas, the main imported fruit, have decreased slightly, totaling 3,294 million euros (-1%) and 5 million tons (-1%).

In vegetables, the most imported by the EU from non-EU countries: tomato onion and potato have grown in volume and value. Tomato imports rose to 542 million euros by 6% more, with a volume of 479,963 tons (+ 1%), those of onion amounted to 403.5 million euros, 103% more with 657,805 tons (+128 %) and potatoes totaled 235.7 million euros (+ 5%) and 516,683 tons (+ 44%).

The data up to October 2019 highlight the positive evolution of EU imports of non-EU fruits and vegetables, also reflecting a growth in average prices. In the case of tomato, the average price of the product imported from third countries has stood at 1.12 euros per kilo, 4.6% more than in the same period of 2018, and in the case of potatoes the average price is has placed at 0.45 euros / kilo, 28% more, dismantling the idea that products from third countries are cheaper than the community, according to FEPEX.