Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable exports to non-European countries during the first half of the year decreased by 21% in volume and 24% in value over the same period in 2020, totaling 178,410 tons and 199.5 million euro, and accounted for 2% of the total exported by Spain.
In the first half of the year, the decline in exports to Brazil stood out. In this period of time, Spain exported 16,479 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables for 16.1 million euro to Brazil, i.e. 37% less volume and 44% less value than in the first half of 2020. 28,291 tons were exported to Canada, which grew in volume by 6% but fell in value by the same percentage.
Shipments to other third countries, such as China, were very low and also fell sharply with 1,491 tons (83% less) and 2.2 million euros, according to data from the Customs and Excise Department of the Tax Agency.
The participation of non-European countries in Spanish exports remains at very low volumes and doesn't exceed 3-4% of the total exported in recent years, according to Fepex. However, it's worth noting that COVID has caused difficulties in maritime transport, the main means of transport used by exporters of fresh fruit and vegetables destined for non-European countries; a factor that is also influencing the decline in sales outside Europe. Specifically, shipments of perishable products have been affected by the increase in the cost of freight and the difficulties in finding empty containers on ships that make long-distance trips.
Source: fepex.es
