Image: Fepex
Fruit and vegetable trade
Spanish imports of fresh fruit and vegetables reached €1.518 billion in the first four months of 2026, a 9% increase, thanks to strong demand from third countries. According to Customs data processed by FEPEX, these markets now account for 72% of the total import value, surpassing European Union partners.
The weight of non-EU markets boosts the trade balance
Spanish imports of fresh fruit and vegetables registered solid growth in the first four months of 2026, mainly supported by the dynamism of the suppliers from third countriesTotal imports amounted to 1,7 million tons, 6% more than in the same period of the previous year, while the value increased by 4%, reaching €2.095 billion. However, a detailed analysis of the data from Departamento de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales, processed by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEX), reveals a clear divergence between the behavior of EU and non-EU markets.
Imports from outside the Unión Europea They were the true engine of this growth, with a 7% increase in volume (917.307 tons) and a significant 9% increase in valuetotaling 1.518 billion euros. As a result, third countries now account for the 72% of the total imported value by España In the fruit and vegetable sector, they represent 52% of the total volume. This trend reinforces the growing importance of suppliers from other regions of the world in supplying the Spanish market.
The EU is losing ground to the growing power of Morocco and Latin America
In contrast to the evolution of non-EU markets, purchases from EU partners Unión Europea They showed a more moderate and even negative evolution in terms of value. Although the volume imported from the UE It grew by 5,3% to 837.267 tons, its value experienced a contraction of 6%, reaching 577 million euros. This leaves EU suppliers with only 28% of the total value of Spanish imports.
When analyzing the geographic origin by country, Marruecos It remains the leading value provider for Españawith 710 million euros and a growth of 5,6% compared to 2025. Latin American countries follow in importance: Perú, with 183 million euros; Costa Rica, with 113 million; and Brasil, which stands out with one of the largest growth rates, up 17,5% to €87 million. In terms of volume, Francia It remains the leading supplier with 494.547 tons, although the value of its exports to España does not reflect the same dominant position.
| Origin | Volume (t) | % Vol. Variation | Value (M€) | % Change Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third Countries (not UE) | 917.307 | + 7 % | 1.518 | + 9 % |
| Countries UE | 837.267 | + 5,3 % | 577 | -6% |
From FEPEX They conclude that these data confirm that the increase in Spanish imports of fresh fruit and vegetables is clearly supported by the dynamism of third countries, whose weight is already majority in terms of value and continues on a clear upward path.
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