Spain exported 12 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2022, i.e., 10.4% less than in 2021, confirming the downward forecasts made by FEPEX. The value of these exports increased by 1.6%, less than initially estimated, totaling 15,930 million euros.
The year-on-year decline in the volume exported has been most noticeable in fruit exports, which decreased by 13%, totaling 6.6 million tons and affecting almost all products. In stone fruit, peach exports decreased by 24% totaling 262,211 tons, and nectarine exports fell by 20%, amounting to 277,539 tons. Berry exports also decreased. Strawberry exports fell by 12%, standing at 278,137 tons, while blueberry exports fell by 3% and totaled 86,879 tons. The total value of fruit exports amounted to 8,843 million euros (-3%).
In 2022, the volume of vegetable exports fell by 7% over 2021, totaling 5.3 million tons. There was a decrease in the main vegetables exported. Pepper exports amounted to 795,669 tons (-7%), lettuce exports totaled 714,503 tons (-12%), tomato exports stood at 629,269 tons (-5%), and cabbage exports at 500,520 tons (-7%). The total value of vegetable exports increased by 7%, totaling 7,086 million euros.
According to FEPEX, the sharp decline in the fresh fruit and vegetable export volume in 2022 is largely due to adverse weather conditions that have caused all kinds of incidents. The spring frosts, for example, led to a sharp reduction in stone fruit, especially in Aragon and Catalonia. Meanwhile, the incessant rains during April and May affected regions that are eminently horticultural, such as Murcia. In addition, there were very strong summer heat waves and a very warm winter start, which affected Andalusian fruit and vegetable production.
“We need specific measures to promote investments that allow us to face these increasingly adverse weather conditions. FEPEX had estimated the export value would increase by 3%, but according to the definitive data, it stood at 1.6%. This increase does not compensate for the cost inflation that the sector has assumed in a year in which imports have continued to grow. Specifically, imports increased by 7% in volume and 15% in value compared to 2021, totaling 3.8 million tons and 3,763 million euros.
By autonomous community, Andalusia sold a total of 4 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables abroad, i.e., 9% less than in 2021, for a value of 6,567 million euros (+9%). It was followed by the Valencian Community, with 3.5 million tons (-11%) and 4,007 million euros (-6%), and Murcia, with 2.3 million tons (-16%) and 2,923 million euros (-2%).
For more information:
FEPEX
www.fepex.es