Moroccan fruits and vegetables flood Spanish market

Sunday 29 June 2025 - 12:05

By: Zahouani Ilham

Moroccan fruits and vegetables flood Spanish market

Over the first quarter of 2025, Spain saw a sharp increase in its imports of Moroccan fresh produce, with volumes jumping by 24% to exceed 188,000 tons. This surge has intensified tensions within Spain’s agricultural sector, which is already under considerable pressure.

According to data from Spanish customs analyzed by the Spanish federation of fruit and vegetable exporters, the country imported Moroccan produce worth €481 million during this period. Compared to the same timeframe in 2024, this reflects a 24% rise in volume and a 23% increase in value.

Tomatoes top the list of Moroccan imports, with volumes climbing from 24,000 tons to more than 32,300 tons in one year. Their value also rose significantly, from €33 million to €52 million, making tomatoes the most prominent Moroccan item on Spanish shelves. Peppers (32,000 tons) and green beans (19,000 tons) follow closely, although their volumes and values dipped slightly.

The trend extends beyond Spain. Across the European Union, Moroccan agricultural exports are gaining momentum. During the first three months of 2025, EU imports of Moroccan fruits and vegetables increased in value by 14%, with tomatoes again leading the pack.

In the fruit category, Moroccan avocados have shown remarkable growth. Their export volume has doubled year-over-year, reaching 62,000 tons, according to Eurostat.

Spanish farmers, however, remain concerned. For years, industry representatives have raised alarms about what they consider unfair competition, fueled by regulatory disparities between EU member states and third countries.

They argue that while local producers adhere to strict EU rules on pesticide use, labor practices, and environmental standards, these same rules are not enforced on imported goods.

In response, the federation warns that EU protective measures are becoming increasingly ineffective. Specifically, it points to outdated entry price thresholds set by the EU-Morocco Association Agreement, claiming these benefit imports and threaten the viability of local agricultural sectors.