Shipments up by 6 per cent in value and 8 per cent in volume
Spanish exports of fresh fruit and vegetables grew by 6 per cent in value to €18bn in 2024, according to exporter federation Fepex. In volume terms, exports increased by 8 per cent to more than 12mn tonnes.
The figures, based on official customs data from January to October and estimates for November and December, mark a new record for the industry.
Imports grew by 6.5 per cent in volume to 3.6mn tonnes (January to October), and by 12 per cent in value to €4.087bn, reflecting Spain’s growing role as a gateway for EU-bound shipments from other parts of the world.
Water shortages, the cost and availability of labour and restrictions on phytosanitary products were among the factors causing increasing concern for the industry in 2024, Fepex noted.
In light of the growing threat posed by non-EU countries like Morocco and the Mercosur states, Fepex called for concrete measures to improve the competitiveness of the sector, such as reducing the bureaucratic burden and hyper-regulation on growers.
The federation also called for trade agreements with third countries to establish reciprocity measures in the most sensitive areas, highlighting phytosanitary and environmental matters.
