Spain's Growing Investment in Moroccan Fresh Produce
In a notable development, Spain has significantly raised its imports of fresh vegetables and fruits from Morocco, reaching a remarkable €890 million during the first five months of 2026. This reflects a 6.7% increase in value despite a 6.1% drop in the quantities imported compared to the same period last year. These statistics indicate a growing willingness from Spanish consumers and businesses to invest more in Moroccan produce, even when faced with reduced supply.
Between January and May, the volume of Moroccan exports to the Spanish market reached approximately 303,068 tons, while the average price per kilogram increased from €2.58 to around €2.94. This marks a significant price rise of about 13.6%, showcasing the premium placed on Moroccan products in the Spanish market. These figures, derived from the Spanish customs and tax administration, were processed by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEX), emphasizing that Spain is spending more to import less from Morocco, a trend worth noting in the broader context of international trade.
Morocco's Position in the Spanish Market
Despite the decline in quantity, Morocco has managed to retain its position as the leading supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to Spain in terms of value, accounting for nearly one-third of Spain's total expenditure on these products from January to May. Moreover, Moroccan products comprised approximately 46% of the total value of Spain's imports of fruits and vegetables from outside the European Union. While Morocco ranked second in terms of volume, behind France—which exported 599,172 tons to Spain, reflecting a 9.1% annual increase—it continues to outperform in financial terms.
Interestingly, the decrease in Moroccan quantity stands in contrast to the overall upward trend of Spanish imports, which rose by 5.5% to reach 2.2 million tons, with a total value of €2.656 billion, marking a 3.5% increase. Spain's imports from outside the EU accounted for 1.17 million tons, valued at nearly €1.932 billion, representing 53.2% of the total volume and 72.7% of the import value. Conversely, imports from EU countries totaled 1.03 million tons, showing a 5.8% increase but a 4.5% decline in value, settling at €725 million.
It is worth noting that not all Moroccan products experienced a decline. Data from the season spanning September 2025 to May 2026 reveal that Spain's imports of Moroccan greenhouse vegetables rose by 6.4% to 205,777 tons. Specifically, Moroccan pepper exports to the Spanish market saw an impressive increase of 18.8%, totaling 102,951 tons, while tomato exports climbed by 2.2% to 77,614 tons. However, imports of cucumber, zucchini, eggplant, and green beans faced a downturn. This nuanced picture of Moroccan exports highlights the varied dynamics at play within the agricultural trade between Morocco and Spain, as certain products thrive even amidst overall declines.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
