Moroccan fruit and vegetable surge raises concerns among Spanish producers

Sunday 23 November 2025 - 09:30

By: Sahili Aya

Moroccan fruit and vegetable surge raises concerns among Spanish producers

Spain’s imports of Moroccan fruits and vegetables have risen sharply during the first eight months of 2025, reshaping the Spanish market and heightening concerns among local producers. Recent data from the Spanish customs administration, analyzed by the Federation of Spanish Exporters and Importers of Fresh Produce (Fepex), confirm that Morocco is strengthening its position as a key supplier to Spain.

Between January and August 2025, Spain imported 416,559 tons of Moroccan produce—an increase of 34% compared to the same period in 2024. The value reached €952.6 million, following a similar upward trend.
According to Fepex, this surge is not temporary. Over the past five years, imports from Morocco during this same period have grown by 8% in volume and 58% in value, demonstrating a solid and sustained presence in the Spanish supply chain.

Morocco now accounts for 26% of Spain’s total fruit and vegetable import value, which amounted to €3.7 billion between January and August. Among all non-EU suppliers, whose combined exports total €2.54 billion, Morocco holds a dominant 38% share.

However, this growing dominance has triggered mounting unease within the Spanish agricultural sector. Professional organizations argue that Moroccan producers benefit from competitive conditions that differ from EU standards, particularly regarding phytosanitary regulations and labor requirements.

Fepex warns that the situation could become even more challenging if the European Parliament ratifies the agreement reached in October between the European Commission and Morocco. This accord would extend tariff advantages to products originating from the Moroccan Sahara, similar to those already granted to Moroccan agricultural exports.
Such a move, the federation argues, could further increase Moroccan shipments to Europe—especially tomatoes and other key crops from the southern regions—intensifying pressure on vulnerable Spanish sectors.

In response, Fepex plans to step up its lobbying efforts in Brussels. The organization intends to alert the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee about what it describes as the “serious consequences” the agreement could have for European agriculture.

Meanwhile, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen recently emphasized in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Debate that enhancing cooperation with Morocco is strategically beneficial. Supporting agricultural investment in Morocco, he noted, should not be seen as a threat to European producers but rather as a way to stabilize the Mediterranean region and secure supply chains amid global uncertainty.