Spain's fresh fruit and vegetable exports were worth 12,832 million Euro in 2018 (up 1% compared to the previous year) and the total volume stood at 12.5 million tons (down 1%), according to updated data from the Department of Customs and Special Taxes. According to FEPEX, this confirms the stabilization trend of the last three years.
In 2018, vegetable exports grew by 4.4% in terms of volume and by 0.4% in terms of value compared to 2017, totaling 5.3 million tons and 5,290 million Euro. Within the group of most exported vegetables, the most notable growth was achieved by peppers, cucumbers and lettuce, while tomatoes fell by 7.5% in terms of value, with 927 million Euro, and remained stable in terms of volume, with 812,571 tons. Pepper exports stood at 745,903 tons (+8.6%) worth 977.2 million Euro (+2%); cucumber exports amounted to 648,521 tons (+3.4%) worth 595 million Euro (+5%) and lettuce shipments reached 795,195 tons (+4.3%) worth 690 million Euro (+4%).
In 2018, the volume of fruit exported fell by 4.4% compared to the previous year, totaling 7.1 million tons, while the value increased by 1.4%, amounting to 7,542 million Euro. Worthy of note was the significant drop of nectarines, with 24% less in terms of volume and 2.4% less in terms of value, totaling 357,471 tons and 408 million Euro; of peaches, with 382,378 tons (-16%) worth 381 million Euro (+1.5%) and plums, with 71,565 tons (-27%) worth 86 million Euro (-13%), as well as kakis, with 168,341 tons (-22%) worth 173 million Euro (-10%). Strong growth was recorded by other fruits, such as watermelon, with 17% more in terms of volume and 32% more in terms of value, totaling 861.952 tons worth 428.6 million Euro, table grapes, with 170.658 tons (+19%) worth 337 million Euro (+18%), raspberries, with 50,414 tons (+10%) worth 383 million Euro (+11%) and blueberries, with 57,802 tons (+24%) worth 324 million Euro (+18%).
Looking at individual regions, Andalusia is the biggest exporter, with 4.1 million tons (+4%) worth 5,066 million Euro (+3%), followed by the Region of Valencia, with 3.7 million tons (-1%) worth 3,412 million Euro (-1%), and Murcia, with 2.5 million tons (the same amount as in 2017) worth 2,504 million Euro (+3%).
By countries, exports to the EU represented 94% of the total, with a positive development in the three main markets: Germany, with 3,431 million Euro (+3%), France, with 2,300 million Euro (+5%) and the United Kingdom, with 1,766 million Euro (+3%). However, there was a reduction of exports to non-European destinations, which fell by 10%, to 534 million Euro. This was a consequence of the difficulties and barriers to accessing a considerable number of third countries, according to FEPEX. Worthy of note was the good performance in Canada, following the entry into force of the Trade Agreement with the EU. Exports to this country increased by 36% and were worth 93.4 million Euro, while exports to the United States fell sharply and were worth 50.3 million Euro.
In 2018, the import of fresh fruits and vegetables continued to grow strongly, with 8% more in terms of volume and 9% more in terms of value than in 2017, reaching 3.3 million tons worth 2,757 million Euro. When it comes to fruit, the most notable results were achieved by avocados, with 237 million Euro, kiwifruit, with 192 million Euro, and apples, with 147 million Euro. As for vegetables, potatoes and green beans stood out, with 209 and 175 million Euro, respectively.
For FEPEX, these results are testament to the importance of the EU market for Spanish exporters. They also reflect that diversity is one of the main strengths of the Spanish sector, and that this compensates for the strong external competition in certain products.
Source: fepex.es