Spanish agri-food exports reach a historic record and will lead internationalization in 2024.

 

 

The study highlights that, during the last year, the value of the agri-food exports rose to 74.231 billion euros, consolidating the sector as the undisputed leader of the internationalization of the Spanish economyFrom a long-term perspective, the report highlights an average annual growth of 7,8% in agrifood exports over the last five years, exceeding 5,7% of the country's total exported goods. This trend continues when analyzing the last decade, with growth of 6,8% for the agrifood sector compared to 4,8% overall.

 

The increase in export value was accompanied by a recovery in the volume of foreign sales (+4%), with notable increases in olive oil (+12%) and fruits and vegetables (+6%). However, declines were recorded in exports of pork, fish and seafood, and wine.

 

El Record trade surplus of 18.449 billion euros This places the agri-food sector, once again, as the one with the greatest positive balance in the Spanish economy, significantly surpassing other sectors. At the European level, Spain remains the fourth largest agri-food exporter, behind of Netherlands, Germany and France, but surpassing Italy and increasingly approaching French figures. If current trends continue, the report projects that Spanish agri-food exports could surpass those of France by 2026.

 

 

Agri-food exports to the United States increase by 21%
until December 31 and drive growth in total sales
Spanish women outside the EU

 

 

The report emphasizes the structural role of the agri-food sector in the country's external growth, even considering its already significant contribution to total exports a decade ago (12% in 2004 compared to 19% today). This evolution, according to the analysis, is the result of an ongoing process of modernization, professionalization and internationalization of the Spanish agri-food sector.

 

By autonomous communities, Andalusia, Catalonia and the Valencian Community remain leaders in export value, although regions such as Aragon, Murcia, Castile-La Mancha or Galicia have gained weight in recent years, showing a more balanced territorial growth pattern.

 

In terms of markets, in 2024 a recovery in exports to third countries was observed (+9,5%) compared to the growth in sales within the UE (+4,1%). Particularly notable were the increases in exports to Italy (+915 million euros, +13%), United States (+628 million euros, +21%), Portugal (+274 million euros, +4%), France (+239 million euros, +2%) and Algeria (+€224 million, +3.338%), recovering significantly after the decline in 2022. The US market, in particular, accounted for 14,2% of Spain's total sales outside the EU and contributed 29% of growth in third-country markets, driven by increased olive oil sales.

 

Regarding the main sectors, fruits and vegetables remain the main export sector (€18.375 billion, 25% of the total), while olive oil experienced significant growth (+46%, €6.580 billion exported), once again becoming the main agri-food tariff item by value. The pork sector, the second largest exporter (€8.793 billion), registered a slight decline of 2%, breaking a decade of growth. Wine exports reached €3.136 billion, with a modest increase of 2%.

 

The report concludes that the Spanish agri-food sector demonstrates a remarkable resilience and dynamism, leading the country's external growth in terms of value, volume, and diversification. However, it also highlights significant challenges such as the need for geographic diversification, dependence on certain flagship products, exposure to climate risks, rising energy costs, and new regulatory requirements.