The Spanish import of fresh fruit and vegetables from Morocco and France in January and February 2017 was worth 207 million Euro and represented 49% of the total imported by Spain, which strengthened their position as Spain's main suppliers, since in the same months of 2016 these countries accounted for 46% of the total shipments; in 2015 for 41%; in 2014 for 39%, and in 2013 for 35%, according to data from the General Customs Directorate, processed by Fepex.
Imports of fruit and vegetables from Morocco in January and February 2017 were worth 136.3 million Euro; a 24% growth compared to the same months of the previous year, with pods (mainly green beans) and tomatoes as the most imported products. The value of purchases from France totalled 70.9 million Euro, up 13%, with potatoes and apples as the most noteworthy products.
In the first two months of the year there have also been increases in the imports from other countries, such as Costa Rica, which ranks third with 24.4 million Euro; 23% more than in the same period of 2016; Italy, with 23.9 million Euro (+9%); Portugal, with 13.1 million Euro (+24%) and Belgium, with 14.4 million Euro (+14%). Only imports from the Netherlands dropped in the period under review, with 19.3 million Euro (-5%).
The value of Spain's fruit and vegetable imports in January and February 2017 amounted to 421.3 million Euro; 15% more than in the same period of 2016. The volume imported amounted to 495,376 tonnes, up 3%, according to data from The General Directorate of Customs, processed by Fepex.