The Spanish export of plums, peaches and nectarines to China in 2016 totalled 815 tonnes worth 1.32 million Euro, according to the latest data (up to October) provided by the Directorate General of Customs.
The Spanish export of plums up to October 2016 reached 779 tonnes worth 1.21 million Euro. The export of nectarines stood at 22 tonnes worth 51,074 Euro and peach shipments totalled 14 tonnes worth 65,582 Euro.
Spain only started exporting stonefruit to China last summer, following the signing of an export protocol by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment and the Chinese authorities on 13 April 2016 after years of negotiations, making Spain the first country in the world authorised to export peaches to Chinese markets. The first shipments started in July, with operators in Extremadura and Murcia accounting for most of the export volume.
The total export of fresh Spanish fruit and vegetables to China from January to October 2016 amounted to 12,682 tonnes worth 14.3 million Euro, with citrus fruits being the main product shipped.
China is considered a market with potential by the stonefruit and horticultural sector in general, in spite of the logistical difficulties that it entails. Chile has also negotiated the export of stonefruit to China and is expected to make the first shipments during the coming months, with production periods that don't overlap with the Spanish.
For FEPEX, access to non-EU markets, such as China, is very difficult, especially because of the long process involved in the negotiation of specific product-country protocols required by certain non-European countries. That is why the joint action of all Member States and a proactive approach on the part of the European Commission are deemed essential in the opening of new markets.
Source: Fepex.es
