La Spanish export of fresh fruits and vegetables It registered a 2,5% year-on-year decrease between January and October of this year, settling at 9,6 million tons. According to data from Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business processed by FEPEXThis decline is mainly due to the 6% drop in the volume of vegetables, while the fruit segment remained stable.
Contraction in vegetables and the tomato crisis
Analysis of the data accumulated up to October reveals that the overall decline is driven by a 6% drop in the volume of exported vegetables, which totaled 4,2 million tons. Within this segment, the negative performance is concentrated in two products that are strategic for Spanish agriculture.
The most notorious case is that of tomatowhose exports plummeted by 15%, falling to 445.492 tons. In economic terms, its value also suffered a 4% adjustment, settling at 801 million euros. From FEPEX They point out that this downward trend is due to the national product "It is being severely harmed by competition from Morocco, both in the national and EU markets.".
Conversely, Spanish tomato imports increased by 56% during the period analyzed. Imports from North Africa stand out in particular, growing by 55% to reach 65.615 tons.
In turn, the pepper It also experienced a 6% decline in volume (569.105 tons), although its value increased by 6%, reaching €1.266 billion. Overall, and despite the drop in tonnage, the total value of vegetable exports rose slightly by 1%, totaling €6.292 billion.
Stable volume and rising prices in fruit
Unlike vegetables, the fruit sector showed great stability in volume, with 5,42 million tons exported, representing a technical increase of 0,06% compared to the previous year. However, profitability improved considerably: the value of these sales jumped by 9%, reaching €8.770 billion.
After citrus fruits, the best performing products were:
- Watermelon: It grew by 4% in volume and 9% in value.
- Cantaloupe: It increased by 10% in volume and 7% in value.
- Strawberry: It registered a 4% increase in volume and a remarkable 11% increase in value.
- Stone fruit (Nectarine): Although the volume fell slightly (-0,5%), its value increased by 18%.
Key data by product and revenue
The following details export figures by category and specific product, reflecting the disparity between the evolution of volume and economic value:
| Category / Product | Volume (Tons) | Volume Variation | Value (Millions €) | Value Variation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL SECTOR | 9.600.000 | -2,5% | 15.052 | + 5 % |
| Vegetables (Total) | 4.200.000 | -6% | 6.292 | + 1 % |
| Tomato | 445.492 | -15% | 801 | -4% |
| Pepper | 569.105 | -6% | 1.266 | + 6 % |
| Fruits (Total) | 5.423.729 | Stable | 8.770 | + 9 % |
| Watermelon | 816.308 | + 4 % | 599 | + 9 % |
| Melon | 366.589 | + 10 % | 341 | + 7 % |
According to data from the Department of Customs and Special Taxes, the total accumulated value of the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector reached 15.052 million euros, consolidating a 5% growth in turnover despite the difficulties in the volume exported.
Key points and frequently asked questions about fruit and vegetable exports
Why has the total volume of exports decreased?
The 2,5% decline is mainly due to the 6% drop in vegetable exports, dragged down by the decline in key products such as tomatoes (-15%) and peppers (-6%).
How has international competition affected Spanish tomatoes?
According to FEPEXCompetition from Morocco has hurt Spanish shipments. Tomato imports from the North African country grew by 55%, while Spanish exports of this product fell in both volume and value.
What behavior have the fruits exhibited during this period?
Fruits maintained a stable volume of 5,4 million tons, similar to the previous year, but managed to increase their value by 9%, highlighting the good performance of watermelon, melon, strawberry and stone fruit.
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