Morocco leads Spain’s non-EU fruit and vegetable imports

Sunday 20 April 2025 - 11:11

By: Zahouani Ilham

Morocco leads Spain’s non-EU fruit and vegetable imports

Moroccan agricultural products continue to strengthen their presence in the Spanish market, positioning the Kingdom as the leading non-EU supplier of fruits and vegetables. According to figures from the DataComex platform, Morocco exported €152.11 million worth of horticultural products to Spain in January 2025 equivalent to about 1.64 billion Moroccan dirhams. This represents a significant increase of over €57 million (614 million dirhams) compared to January 2023, confirming the growing trend in bilateral agricultural trade.

Shifting Supply Chains in Spain

This growth reflects a fundamental shift in Spain's supply chain dynamics, highlighting an increasing reliance on non-European sources. In January 2025, Spain imported a total of €636.65 million (6.88 billion dirhams) worth of fruits and vegetables. According to the Spanish Federation of Associations of Exporting Fruit and Vegetable Producers (FEPEX), based on data from the Agencia Tributaria, 66% of these imports now come from non-EU countries. This trend is gradually reducing the market share traditionally held by EU member states.

Top Moroccan Exports: Avocados, Raspberries, and Tomatoes

Among the most in-demand Moroccan exports are avocados (€34.98 million), raspberries (€26.62 million), fresh tomatoes (€17.91 million), blueberries (€16.82 million), green beans (€15.69 million), and sweet peppers (€13.93 million). These crops are primarily grown in the Souss-Massa, Gharb, and Larache regions, where favorable climates and efficient export logistics enable swift delivery to Spanish shelves.

Europe’s Green Policy Versus Import Reality

This growing dependence on Moroccan produce stands in stark contrast to the European Commission’s “Farm to Fork” strategy, which emphasizes local, sustainable food systems with reduced carbon footprints. Yet, trade data highlights a disconnect between these green policy goals and actual import practices. Morocco benefits from this gap, leveraging its geographic proximity, competitive labor, and preferential EU trade agreements.

The Rise of US Exports and the Decline of French Presence

The transformation of Spain’s agri-food landscape is not limited to Morocco. The United States has also expanded its footprint, particularly in the nut segment, surpassing France in exports to Spain. In January 2025, US nut exports mainly almonds, pistachios, and walnuts reached nearly €29.82 million (323 million dirhams), growing by around €20 million (216 million dirhams) year-on-year.

Morocco’s Strategic Role in European Food Supply Chains

This shift marks a subtle reconfiguration of agricultural trade between the EU and its southern neighbors. Morocco is increasingly embedded in European supply chains, moving beyond seasonal demand to become a stable and integral part of Spain’s imported food basket.