Recent data from the Spanish Department of Customs and Special Taxes, analyzed by FEPEX, indicates that Morocco is reinforcing its status as the foremost non-EU provider of fruits and vegetables to Spain. In January 2024, Spain's imports from non-EU nations comprised 67% of its total fruit and vegetable imports, valued at €261 million, in contrast to €129 million from EU countries. This trend mirrors the patterns observed in previous years, with Spain's overall imports in January 2024 surging to €390 million, a 26% increase year-over-year.
The volume of imports also maintained a consistent pattern, with non-EU countries contributing 48% (164,860 tons) and EU member states 52% (180,335 tons) of the total 345,195 tons, marking an 11% increase from January 2023. Specifically, imports from Morocco saw a significant rise, reaching €134 million in value and 57,534 tons in volume, up 45% and 31%, respectively. Meanwhile, France remained Spain's top EU supplier, with imports totaling 110,448 tons and valued at €50 million, both figures showing an increase from the previous year.
The data underscores Morocco's pivotal role in supplying fresh produce to Spain and its growing significance in the EU market. Between January and September 2023, Morocco's fresh produce exports to the EU amounted to €1.83 billion, a 6% increase from 2022, with a total export volume of 1.04 million tons. This reinforces Morocco's key position in the agricultural trade sector with the EU.
Source: moroccoworldnews.com