Overview of Spain's Import Trends from Morocco
In the first five months of 2026, Spain has experienced a notable decrease in the volume of fresh fruits and vegetables imported from Morocco, while simultaneously witnessing a significant increase in the financial expenditure associated with these imports. Between January and May, Spain imported 303,068 tons of produce from the North African country, representing a 6.1% decline compared to the same period in 2025. Conversely, the monetary value of these purchases surged by 6.7%, reaching an impressive 890 million euros, as reported by the Department of Customs and Special Taxes and processed by FEPEX.
This dual trend indicates that the average entry price for these imports has risen to approximately 2.94 euros per kilogram, compared to 2.58 euros during the same timeframe last year, marking an increase of around 13.6%. It is essential to clarify that this average does not reflect the actual prices received by producers or the final costs incurred by consumers. Variations in the average value can occur due to a range of factors, including the types of products purchased, their trade schedules, the categories and qualities imported, and the specific conditions of each transaction. Nonetheless, these figures illustrate that Spain is now paying more for a smaller quantity of Moroccan products.
The Economic Position of Moroccan Imports
Morocco continues to hold its position as the leading supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to the Spanish market in terms of economic value. The 890 million euros generated from these imports accounts for nearly one-third of the total value of Spain's imports from January to May. In terms of volume, however, Morocco ranks second, following France. The neighboring country supplied 599,172 tons of fresh produce, reflecting a 9.1% increase from the previous year, while imports from Morocco totaled 303,068 tons.
This data reveals a contrasting scenario: France leads in the quantity of supply, while Morocco dominates in value. Additionally, Morocco represents approximately 46% of the total value of all purchases made by Spain from non-EU countries. The decrease in imports from Morocco stands in stark contrast to the overall trend of Spanish horticultural imports. During the same five-month period, Spain imported 2.2 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from various sources, marking a 5.5% increase, with a total expenditure of 2.656 billion euros, up by 3.5%.
Therefore, while the overall market saw an increase in imported products, the spending rose at a slower pace than the volume. In contrast, Morocco experienced a decline in the quantity of goods imported but with a significantly higher value. The influence of third-party countries has also increased, with non-EU suppliers sending 1.17 million tons, reflecting a 5.3% rise and a total value of 1.932 billion euros, which is a 6.9% increase. These suppliers now account for 53.2% of the volume and 72.7% of the value of Spain's imports.
From the European Union, Spain received 1.03 million tons, a 5.8% increase, although the economic value of these imports fell by 4.5% to 725 million euros. Besides France, the principal EU suppliers included the Netherlands, with 125,322 tons; Portugal, with 100,965 tons; Italy, with 83,962 tons; and Belgium, providing 53,473 tons.
The decline in imports from Morocco between January and May does not necessarily imply a reduction in all Spanish purchases from the country. The data varies based on the specific products and periods analyzed. The most recent campaign report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food regarding greenhouse vegetables indicates that from September 2025 to May 2026, Spain imported 205,777 tons of these products from Morocco, marking a 6.4% increase compared to the previous campaign. Notably, imports of peppers rose by 18.8% to 102,951 tons, while tomato imports increased by 2.2% to 77,614 tons. However, purchases of cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, and green beans saw a decline.
While the periods and products considered differ from the general statistics of January to May, this contrast confirms that the overall reduction is a result of varying commercial timelines and references. The most significant takeaway is not just that Spain has imported a lesser volume from Morocco, but that the North African country maintains its economic leadership and significantly elevates the average value of its shipments.
As reported by ecomercioagrario.com.
