The Spanish fruit and vegetable sector generates more revenue in the EU despite exporting less volume.

Fruit and Vegetable Trade Balance

Spanish fruit and vegetable exports to the EU grew by 5,7% in value to €6.596 billion during the first four months of 2026, despite a 3,4% drop in volume. Markets outside Europe, such as Canada and Brazil, registered significant declines.

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Spanish exports of fresh fruit and vegetables confirm a key trend in the first quarter of 2026: an increase in the invoiced value in the Unión Europea despite a contraction in the volume shipped. According to the data of Departamento de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales, processed by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEXSales to the European Union reached 6.596 billion euros, 5,7% more than in the same period of 2025, while the volume decreased by 3,4%, settling at 3,7 million tons.

This dynamic consolidates the European market as the main strategic destination for the sector, accounting for 81% of the value and 83% of the total volume exported. If the focus is broadened to include other countries on the continent not belonging to the UEas the Reino Unido, Noruega o Suiza, the dependence is even more noticeable: Europa as a whole it represents 98% of the value (7.973 billion euros) and 97% of the volume (4,36 million tons) of Spanish exports.

La Unión EuropeaA mature market that pays more for less volume

The country-by-country analysis reveals that the main trading partners of España within the UE They follow the same pattern. Alemania remains the top customerwith purchases worth €2.408 billion (+5%), although the volume received fell by 2,5% to 1,2 million tons. It is followed by Francia, with a 5% increase in value (1.215 million euros) and a 7% decrease in volume (734.266 tons).

Outside the European Union but within Europa, Reino Unido It ranks as the third largest global destination, with €1.045 billion (+3%) and 511.593 tons (-5%). Other markets such as Países Bajos They also reflect this trend, with a 5% increase in value and a 7% decrease in volume. However, the growth recorded in [the following areas] stands out positively. Portugal e Italiawhich increased both the volume and, above all, the value of their imports from España, with increases of 12% and 15% in revenue, respectively.

Table 1: Main destinations of Spanish fruit and vegetable exports (January-April 2026)

Country	Volume (tons)	Volume change vs 2025 (%)	Value (M.€)	Value Variation vs 2025 (%)
Alemania	1.200.000	-2,5%	2.408	+ 5 %
Francia	734.266	-7%	1.215	+ 5 %
Reino Unido	511.593	-5%	1.045	+ 3 %
Portugal	302.354	+ 8 %	334	+ 12 %
Canadá	7.370	-24%	14	-17%
EE. UU.	3.583	-10%	15	-8,3%
Brasil	1.977	-47%	2,3	-47,7%

Challenges in non-EU markets: widespread declines

In contrast to the strength of the European market, destinations outside of Europa They show a clear weakness.Exports to third countries in the first four months of 2026 reached 768.165 tons, a 2% decrease, although the value increased slightly by 3,7% to €1.517 billion. These markets represent only 17% of the total volume and 18% of the total value.

The declines are notable in destinations considered strategic for diversification. Sales to Canadá They fell 24% in volume and 17% in value. Oriente Medio, Arabia Saudita It reduced its imports by 13% in volume (although with a slight rebound of 2% in value), and Emiratos Árabes Unidos It registered declines of 36% in volume and 27% in value. Large markets such as Estados Unidos y Brasil They also showed negative performance, with drastic drops in the Brazilian market, which plummeted almost 48% in both volume and value. Meanwhile, China Volume decreased by 5%, although value recovered by 5%.

Key points and frequently asked questions about Spanish fruit and vegetable exports

What is the main conclusion for a Spanish exporter from this data?

The main conclusion is the need to focus the strategy on adding value in the European market. The data shows that the UE It is a mature market willing to pay more for Spanish products, even if it consumes less. Diversification into non-EU markets remains a complex challenge with negative short-term results.

What do these figures imply for Spain's trade balance?

These figures have a positive impact on the agri-food trade balance. Despite exporting a lower volume, the increase in total value (5,4% if we add UE and third countries) strengthens the sector's position as one of the pillars of the Spanish export economy and demonstrates its ability to adapt to an environment of increasing costs.

What should exporters know about the downturn in markets like EE. UU. o Brasil?

Exporters must analyze the specific causes, which can range from non-tariff barriers and competition from other countries to the internal macroeconomic situation of those countries. The sharp drop in Brasil (-47%) and the decline in EE. UU. (-10%) suggest that penetration into these markets requires a long-term strategy, with in-depth analysis of demand and possible adaptation of the product or logistics format.