Agri-Food Foreign Trade
Spanish exports of fresh fruit and vegetables reached €10.106 billion between January and May 2026, a 6,8% increase compared to 2025, despite a slight 1,6% decrease in volume. The European Union remains Spain's main trading partner, accounting for over 82% of the total value.
The Spanish fruit and vegetable sector has registered a notable increase in the value of its exports during the first five months of 2026, reaching 10.106 millones de eurosThis figure, which represents a year-on-year increase of 6,8%, contrasts with a slight contraction of 1,6% in the volume shipped, which stood at 5,56 million tons, according to data from Departamento de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales processed by FEPEX.
The European Union, a strategic pillar of the sector
La Unión Europea It reaffirms its position as the key market for Spanish fruits and vegetables, accounting for 83,5% of the volume and 82% of the value of exports. Between January and May, sales to the countries of the UE-27 amounted to 4,64 million tons, 1,4% less than in the same period of 2025. However, turnover in this market experienced a solid advance of 7,7%, reaching 8.290 millones de euros.
Overall, the European continent absorbed 97,6% of shipments by volume (5,43 million tons) and generated 98% of total revenue (€9.939 billion). Despite a 2% drop in total volume shipped to Europe, the value grew by 6,9%, underscoring the dependence on and profitability of the continental market for Spanish companies.
Challenges and opportunities in non-EU markets
Destinations outside the Unión Europea Exports to these markets showed mixed performance. Volume decreased by 2,5% to 918.863 tons, but value increased by 2,9%, reaching €1.816 billion. These countries currently account for 16,5% of the volume and almost 18% of the total value of fruit and vegetable exports.
Within this group, the European countries that are not members of the UEas the Reino Unido, Suiza y NoruegaThey imported 787.270 tons, 5% less than in 2025, although the value of these transactions grew by 3% to €1.649 billion. Meanwhile, non-European markets, while still holding a modest share, showed significant growth in volume, with an increase of 16,3% (131.593 tons), and a 2% increase in value (€167 million).
From FEPEX It is noted that this evolution reflects the persistent difficulties in consolidating a presence in third countries. phytosanitary barriers, the complexes access requirements and the high logistics costs These continue to be the main obstacles limiting greater geographical diversification of Spanish exports.
| Target Market | Volume (tons) | Volume Change (%) | Value (millions of €) | Value Variation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exported | 5.560.000 | -1,6% | 10.106 | + 6,8 % |
| EU-27 | 4.640.000 | -1,4% | 8.290 | + 7,7 % |
| Europe (non-EU) | 787.270 | -5,0% | 1.649 | + 3,0 % |
| Rest of the world | 131.593 | + 16,3 % | 167 | + 2,0 % |
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