Spanish imports of fresh fruits and vegetables from third countries in the first eight months of the year represented 64% of the total, standing at 1,094 million euro. Five years ago, and in the same period, it accounted for 54% of the total, with 622 million euros, which means imports of fresh fruits and vegetables from third countries have been gaining momentum in the Spanish market compared to purchases of fruits and vegetables of community origin. Until August this year, they only accounted for 36% of the total, of 611 million euros, and five years ago accounted for 46%, with 526 million euros.
Between January and August 2017, Morocco was Spain's leading supplier of fruits and vegetables, with 429 million euro, i.e. 34% more than in the same period of 2016, according to data from the General Directorate of Customs. Morocco is also the supplier that has grown the most in the last five years, 198% compared to 2013.
The secondary supplier during the same period of 2017 was France with 212 million euro, 7% more than last year, and with a 17% growth in the last five years. Portugal ranked third with 95 million euro, 18% more than in 2016 and an 80% growth in relation to the last five years.
In terms of volume, fruit and vegetable imports from non-EU countries have also grown more than community imports. Until August 2017, the volume of fruits and vegetables that Spain imported from the community amounted to one million tons, 55% of the total, while in 2013 it was 58%. Imports from third countries up to August 2017 stood at 903,739 tons, i.e. 45% of the total. Five years ago it was 42%.
According to FEPEX, the strong growth of imports from neighboring countries in products and campaigns coinciding with those of Spain, shows there is a need to strengthen measures to improve competitiveness.