This week, the G7 foreign ministers met in person for the first time after the pandemic. Three of the seven countries that make up this group: Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are the main markets for the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector.
Germany was the main market for Spain's fruit and vegetable sector in 2020, as the country exported 3.5 million tons of these products for 4,073 million euro to that destination. It was followed by France with 2.3 million tons and 2,550 million euro, and the United Kingdom with 1.5 million tons and 1,903 million euro. These three countries accounted for 56% of all Spanish exports in 2020 and 58% of the value obtained. Italy is also a relevant market for Spanish exports, ranking fifth in 2020 with 830,015 tons and a value of 848 million euro.
Canada presents high opportunities for the Spanish sector, especially after the signing of the Global Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU in 2017. In 2019 Spanish fruit and vegetables to Canada stood at 98 million euro. In 2020 exports to this destination fell by 20% and totaled 79 million euro.
According to Fepex, the remaining G7 countries, the US and Japan, have potential for the Spanish sector thanks to the strength of their economies and consumption. However, the volumes exported to these destinations are low because of logistical difficulties, in some cases, and the non-tariff barriers that they apply at certain times.
Exports to the United States in 2020 stood at 34,348 tons and 80 million euro, while exports to Japan stood at 1,668 tons and 6 million euro, according to data from the Customs and Excise Department.
Source: fepex.es