Spanish imports of fresh fruit and vegetables from third countries grew by 13 per cent in the first half of the year, according to data analysed by Fepex.
According to the organisation, the value of fresh produce imports from third countries came in at €859m for the six-month period, representing 63.45 per cent of Spain's overall fruit and vegetable imports.
By country, Morocco was by far the most prolific exporter to Spain, shipping €404m in fresh produce to the country, growth of 33 per cent year-on-year.
Other leading third-country exporters included Brazil, which shipped €55m-worth of produce, a 22 per cent climb on 2016, and Costa Rica, which exported €78m of fresh produce (+18 per cent).
Meanwhile, imports from the EU came to €489m through the half, growth of 8 per cent.
France topped the list of EU exporters to Spain, with €187m of fresh produce sent (+13 per cent), followed by Italy with €81m (+12 per cent), Portugal with €62m (+15 per cent) and the Netherlands with €67m (-8 per cent).
Fepex pointed out that the strongest growth in terms of products came in tomatoes, up 26 per cent to €48m, and potatoes, rising 18 per cent to €159m.
