Imports from Morocco continue to increase

Morocco is the first non-EU supplier in the Spanish market, with 363,399 tons imported from January to October 2019, 7% more than in the previous period, worth 554.7 million euros, 4% more.

The Spanish import of fresh fruits and vegetables from non-EU countries, from January to October 2019, stood at 1.31 million tons and 1,560 million euros, which represents 49% of the total imported volume and 65% of value, according to the latest data updated by the Customs and Excise Department. Purchases from EU countries amounted to 1.34 million tons and 840 million euros.

The Spanish import to non-EU countries in the period from January to October 2019 was reduced by 2% compared to the same months of the previous year and the value remained stable at 1,560 million euros. Morocco is the first non-EU supplier in the Spanish market, with 363,399 tonnes imported, 7% more than in the previous period, worth 554.7 million euros, 4% more. It is followed by Costa Rica with 209,550 tons (-7%) and 129 million euros (-4%) and Peru with 110,534 tons (-9%) and 210.6 million euros (+ 1%).

In the community sphere, the Spanish import in the first ten months of 2019 amounted to 1.34 million tons, 2% less than in the same period of 2018 for a value of 840 million euros (+ 17%). France is the first supplier of the Spanish market, with 642,711 tons 10% less than in the same period of 2018 and 272.6 million euros (+ 17%) and Portugal the second, with 222,568 tons, the same volume as in the previous period and 159 million euros (+ 3%).

For FEPEX, the data up to October reflect the consolidated presence in the national market of fruits and vegetables from certain third countries such as Morocco, which is reinforced as the first supplier, with a trend of constant growth in recent years and diversification of the offer, constituting the main competitor of the Spanish sector in the national and community market.