The value of horticultural exports in 2016 exceeds for the first time 12,000M€

The value of Spanish exports of fresh fruit and vegetables in 2016 increased 5% compared to 2015, surpassing for the first time 12,000 million euros, according to data published this week by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and processed by FEPEX, for which this figure “shows the positive evolution of the sector”. In contrast, the volume of exports of Spanish fresh fruit and vegetables fell by 2%, with a total of 12.5 million tonnes.

Of the total of 12,486 million euros reached by Spanish exports of fresh fruits and vegetables during the past year, 5,206 million euros correspond to the value of horticultural exports, which represent 7.5% more than in 2015, with a volume of 5.2 million tonnes (+ 2.4%). Of note was the growth of pepper, with 930.8 million euros (+ 12%), lettuce, with 656.6 million euros (+ 4%), cucumber, with 547 million euros (+ 15%) and cabbages 456.8 million euros (+ 7%).

The tomato, the main exported vegetable has registered a stabilization of the value obtained in relation to the previous year, with 959, 5 million euros

The export of fruit in 2016 fell by 5% in volume, standing at 7.1 million tons and increased by 3% in value, totaling 7,279 million euros. Of note is the growth of red fruits, mainly from Huelva, with a 23% increase in the case of blueberry, amounting to 257.7 million euros, 30% in the case of raspberry, standing at 306.5 million euros and 6% in the case of the strawberry, with 583 million euros.

In stone fruit peach (+ 7%) grows with 387 million euros, nectarine (-7.7%) falls with 413 million euros and stabilizes the apricot (+ 0.5%) totaling 115.3 million of euros.

Melon and watermelon grew 13% and 11.5% respectively, amounting to 303 million euros and 333 million euros

EU, main market

By destination, the EU represented 92.6% of Spanish exports, with 11,565 million euros, 5% more than in 2015. Shipments to European countries fell by 5%, totaling 331.7 million euros, due to the maintenance of the Russian veto and retreat to countries like Norway. On the contrary, exports to non-European countries increased by 589 million euros (+ 11%), with Brazil being the main recipient with 109 million euros (+ 23%).

Andalusia, Comunidad Valenciana and Murcia are the main exporting communities with 84% of the national total

Andalusian exports grew 13% in value and 5% in volume, totaling 4,665 million euros and 3.9 million tons; the Community of Valencia decreased by 5% in value and 9% in volume, standing at 3,390 million euros and 3.8 million tonnes and Murcia’s stood at 2,569 million euros (+ 4%) and 2.4 Million tonnes (-2%).

The import in 2016 maintained the growing trend of recent years, registering strong growth of 17% in value and 12% in volume, totaling 2,313 million euros and 2.9 million tons respectively. Imports of fruit amounted to 1.6 million tonnes (+ 16%) and EUR 1,576 million (+ 18%) and vegetable exports amounted to 1.2 million tonnes (+ 7%) for a value of 737 tonnes Million (+ 16%).

Despite the significant increase in the value of horticultural exports in 2016, there is concern about the decline in volume and especially the evolution of some tomato productions, which are priorities. There is also concern about the continued strong growth in the import of fresh fruits and vegetables in the face of lower export growth, a situation that is also observed throughout the EU, and that FEPEX considers that it is being provoked by the implementation of national protectionist policies In the Community’s single market, as well as in third countries, among other causes.

All export and import statistics for 2016 are available on the FEPEX website.

Source: FEPEX

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➡️FEPEX estimates that the export of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2016 will exceed 12,300M€