Morocco Leads Non-European Vegetable Exporters to Spain

Morocco consolidated its position as Spain’s leading fresh fruit and vegetable supplier in the first quarter of 2019, with exports amounting to €264 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Imports of fruit and vegetables from Morocco were up 4% compared to the same period of 2018, the Spanish Federation of Producers’ Associations for Fruit, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX) said in a statement, citing data from the Spanish Department of Customs and Special Taxes.

The Spanish Federation notes that Morocco’s exports of fruit and vegetables to Spain during the first three months of the current year represent 33% of total Spanish imports of these products.

In terms of volume, Spain’s imports from Morocco are also on an upward trend, rising by 11% in the first quarter of 2019 to 137,760 tons.

These data highlight Morocco’s importance as fresh fruit and vegetables supplier of the Spanish market, says FEPEX, explaining that imports from the Kingdom during this period represent 31% of Spain’s total imports and 51% of imports from non-EU countries.

An overview of data during the last five years shows that Spain’s imports of Moroccan fruit and vegetables during the first quarter of 2019 increased from 70,420 tons in 2015 Q1 to 137,670 tons in 2019, an increase of 95.5%.

In terms of returns, these imports also increased from €125.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 to €264 million in the first three months of 2019, scoring an increase of 110%.

At the European Union level, France is Spain’s leading supplier of fruit and vegetables with 295,565 tons and €116 million in the first quarter of 2019, FEPEX said.