During the 2025 fiscal year, the Unión Europea It reaffirmed its position as the main driver of Spanish fruit and vegetable exports, reaching €15.239 billion. Despite a slight contraction in volume, dependence on the EU market is intensifying in the face of a general decline in exports to non-EU destinations.
Predominance of the European market in foreign trade
The market UE It continues to strongly drive international sales in the sector. In operational terms, shipments to EU partners represented 84% of the total volume and 82% of the value generated by the sector. If we add to these figures the Reino Unido and the rest of the European nations, the continent's weight rises to 97% of the total exported, totaling 11,7 million tons.
This stability contrasts with the fragility of shipments outside European borders. According to data provided by FEPEX (Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants), sales to non-European countries suffered a 14% drop compared to 2024, limited to just 316.772 tons.
Performance by market and value comparison
In financial terms, Spanish exports to the UE It registered a 5% increase, reaching €15.249 billion. However, sales to destinations outside of Europa They barely reached 478 million euros, which represents an 11% decrease compared to the previous period.
From FEPEX They point out that this divergence is a direct consequence of the protectionist policies implemented by a large number of third countries. Added to this is the extreme technical complexity involved in negotiating the phytosanitary protocols, essential requirements that, in practice, act as barriers to access to these markets.
| Export Indicator 2025 | European Union (EU) | Non-EU | Year-on-year variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume (Tons) | 10 Millions | 1,9 Millions | -3% (EU) / -8% (Extra) |
| Value (Millions of Euros) | 15.239 M€ | 3.417 M€ | +5% (EU) / -3% (Extra) |
| Share of total (Volume) | 84 % | 16 % | N/A |
Logistical and phytosanitary barriers
The report emphasizes that, although the total volume to the UE It fell by 3%, a drop significantly less than the 8% plunge recorded outside the EU. The logistical proximity and legal certainty offered by the framework of the Comisión Europea They compensate for the difficulties of exporting to distant markets, where profitability is reduced by a 3% drop in the total value of these operations.
- Market concentration: 97% of Spanish exports stay in the European continent.
- Growth in value: Despite shipping less quantity, the value of sales to the UE grew 5%.
- External obstacles: Phytosanitary protocols and protectionism limit expansion outside Europa.
Key points and frequently asked questions about fruit and vegetable exports 2025
What percentage of Spanish fruit and vegetable exports are destined for Europe?
The European market (including the UE and the Reino Unido) absorbs 97% of the total volume exported by España, which is equivalent to 11,7 million tons.
Why have sales to countries outside Europe decreased?
According to FEPEXThe 14% decrease in shipments to non-European countries is due to the protectionist policies of third countries and the technical difficulty in negotiating and opening phytosanitary protocols.
How has the value of sales in the European Union evolved compared to third countries?
While the value of exports to the UE grew by 5% (15.249 million euros), the value of sales outside Europa It fell by 11%, settling at just 478 million euros.
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