Spanish Trade Data Shows Growth in Imports and Exports

New figures from Spain’s Department of Customs and Excise reveal a notable increase in the country’s fresh fruit and vegetable trade for the January-February period. The data shows a 1 percent growth in the value of exports, reaching €3.4 billion. At the same time, imports soared by 26 percent year-on-year, totaling €802 million.

In terms of volume, fruit and vegetable exports rose by 6.5 percent, amounting to 2.29 million tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by a significant increase in vegetable exports, which stood at 1.3 million tonnes—a 15 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023. The value of these vegetable exports increased marginally by 0.6 percent to €1.96 billion. However, the average export price for vegetables saw a 12 percent decrease, bringing it to €1.49 per kg.

The fruit segment, while showing a slight decline in volume, exhibited a positive trend in value. Fruit exports totaled 974,511 tonnes, a 3 percent decrease from the previous year. Despite this decline in volume, the value of fruit exports grew by 2 percent to €1.46 billion. The average export price for fruit also saw an improvement of 5 percent, reaching €1.50 per kg.

On the import side, volumes grew significantly, up by 10.5 percent to 698,083 tonnes, with vegetables being the primary driver of this increase. The volume of vegetable imports climbed by 17 percent, reaching 402,758 tonnes, while the value surged by 36 percent to €323 million. Fruit imports also experienced growth, rising by 2.6 percent to 295,325 tonnes, with the value of these imports increasing by 20 percent to €479 million compared to the previous year.

The customs statistics, released by the Ministry of Economy, Commerce, and Business, were highlighted by Fepex, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Live Plants. Fepex emphasized the dynamic nature of the Spanish import market, noting that the increase in imports is largely driven by the varying regulations required for national and community production compared to those required in third countries.

Fepex stated, “The customs statistics made public today underscore what we have reiterated on multiple occasions: the strong dynamism of the import market in Spain. This dynamism is driven, to a large extent, by the different regulatory requirements for national and community production as opposed to those for third-country imports. These differences create a competitive landscape that influences market behavior and trade volumes.”

The data underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks in shaping trade dynamics. The growth in both imports and exports reflects Spain’s robust participation in the global fruit and vegetable market, despite the challenges posed by fluctuating prices and regulatory discrepancies. The increase in import volumes and values indicates a strong demand for a diverse range of products, driven by both consumer preferences and the regulatory environment.

Overall, the figures from January and February 2024 demonstrate a resilient and dynamic trade environment for Spain’s fresh fruit and vegetable sector. As the country navigates these market conditions, continued monitoring of regulatory impacts and market trends will be crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the global marketplace.