Russia first non-EU market for Spanish fruit and veg
Spanish exports of vegetables to Russia were, in 2011, of 35,276 tons, against the 23,877 tons in 2010 (48% more), due to the rise in cucumber, tomato and lettuce exports. Fruit shipments added up to 207,751 tons, against the 141,259 tons in 2010 (47% more). Peach, nectarine and mandarine were the most imported fruits by Russia from Spain.
In 2011, Russia represented 30% of the total exported (814,896 tons) by Spain to countries outside the EU. After Russia, the main destination countries outside EU for the Spanish fruits and vegetables were Switzerland and Norway.
For FEPEX, the export of fruits and vegetables outside EU is concentrated in non-EU countries - Russia, Norway and Switzerland, while exports outside Europe are not that significant.
Spanish exports of fruits and vegetables to China in 2011 was 0; exports to Japan just 18 tons (35% less than in 2010, when 38 tons were exported), and the exports to the US were, in 2011, of 57,415 tons (11% less than in 2010), according to data from the General Direction of Border Control and Special Taxes from AEAT.
FEPEX considers to be a priority the opening of markets in non European countries, in many cases with a growing demand, but practically closed to import due to protectionist barriers without tariffs.
Source: Fepex