The Andalusian province, the only one authorized along with Alicante for this trade, is resuming shipments to the North American market after passing the strict controls of APHIS. The sector seeks to consolidate a trade route that generated €3,7 million in 2024.
![[Img # 65862]](https://empresaexterior.com/upload/images/12_2025/6273_pimientos.jpg)
The pepper export campaign has officially begun since Almeria to United StatesA strategic business operation that will run until April 30. Three companies from Almería, after meeting the requirements of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)They are leading the entry of this vegetable into the demanding North American market.
Phytosanitary requirements and the reactivation of transatlantic trade
The reopening of this trade channel represents a milestone for the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector, given that only the provinces of Almeria y Alicante They have authorization from US authorities to make these shipments. The three companies involved have made a significant investment to adapt to the safety and quality protocols required by the US administration.
This effort takes on greater importance following the incidents of the 2024/2025 season, when the US administration unilaterally suspended imports of Spanish peppers for three weeks in January. The current season presents an opportunity to restore normalcy and the flow of logistics.
The following are the key figures for the pepper trade in the last completed financial year:
| Charge Description | Data 2024 |
|---|---|
| Volume exported to the USA. | 1.166 tonnes |
| Economic value | 3,7 millones de euros |
| Current campaign period | Until April 30 |
Negotiation protocols and strategic market value
Exporting fresh produce to countries outside the European Union requires a complex institutional framework. In Spain, the negotiation of phytosanitary protocols falls to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Secretary of State for Commerce (attached to Ministry of Economy, Commerce and BusinessThese entities work closely with FEPEX and Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organizations of Almería (Coexphal).
The three exporting companies are part of Coexphal. your manager, Luis Miguel FernandezFernández emphasized the importance of maintaining this trade route active compared to other, more saturated or closed options. According to Fernández, "The United States offers good prices for the sector, but above all, it opens a different marketing channel, beyond Europe and given the impossibility of penetrating Russia due to the closure of that market in 2014."
Balance of fruit and vegetable exports to the United States
Although the US market represents a small fraction of Spain's total exports (just 0,2% of the total volume and 0,5% of the value), its growth is remarkable. In 2024, Spain shipped a total of 32.468 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables to this destination, representing a year-on-year increase of 20% in volume and 10% in value, reaching €93 million.
The breakdown by product shows garlic leading the way, followed by other strategic crops. According to data from Customs and Excise Department processed by FEPEXThe export ranking is as follows:
| Product | Volume 2024 (Ton) | Value 2024 (M€) | Trend (Volume) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | 18.015 | 68,6 | -4% |
| Onion | 6.381 | 3,6 | Growth |
| Lemon | 2.000 | 2,8 | Stable |
| Khaki | 1.335 | 3,1 | Featured |
| Tangerine | 1.301 | 1,4 | Featured |
| Pepper | 1.166 | 3,7 | Reactivation |
| Cucumber | 1.158 | 2,4 | Stable |
Key points and frequently asked questions about exporting to the U.S.
Which companies can export peppers to the United States?
Currently, only three companies in the province of Almeria They are trained for this campaign. Together with Alicante Almería is the only Spanish province authorized by the North American authorities to ship this product.
Why is the US market important for the Spanish sector?
Although the volume is lower compared to Europe, United States It offers competitive prices and allows diversification of business risks, serving as a vital alternative after the closure of the Russian market in 2014.
What happened with exports in the previous campaign?
During the 2024/2025 season, the US administration unilaterally suspended imports of Spanish peppers for three weeks in January, forcing companies to make new investments to ensure compliance with the protocols of the APHIS this year.
