Olive Oil: Spanish Imports from Morocco Surge Dramatically

Monday 24 August 2026 - 10:42

Spain, the world's leading producer of olive oil, has significantly increased its purchases from Morocco in the first half of 2026. The volumes imported remain modest on the scale of the Spanish market, but their year-on-year growth is remarkable and illustrates the evolution of trade between the two countries in the olive oil sector.

A Dramatic Jump in Moroccan Purchases

Spanish imports of olive oil from Morocco have surged in the first six months of 2026.

According to official data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Spain imported 19 tons of Moroccan olive oil in the first half of the year, compared to just 300 kilograms during the same period in 2025.

This increase is even more pronounced when viewed from a financial perspective. The value of purchases is reported to have risen from approximately 641,000 euros in 2025 to nearly 58 million euros in 2026.

These figures reflect a spectacular increase in trade, although the volume and value data should be interpreted with caution due to particularly significant discrepancies between the two indicators.

Morocco Gains Visibility in the Spanish Market

For Moroccan producers and exporters, this development represents an interesting signal. The Spanish market has a particularly well-developed olive oil industry and represents a major outlet in the international olive oil trade.

The increased arrival of Moroccan products occurs in a market where competition among suppliers is fierce. The geographical proximity between the two countries also presents a potential advantage for trade, particularly in terms of transport and supply.

This dynamic could offer Moroccan operators new opportunities, provided they can meet the Spanish market's requirements regarding quality, consistency of volumes, and competitiveness.

Spain Remains the Global Giant in Olive Oil

However, the scale of this increase must be placed in the context of Spain's olive oil power.

Spain remains the world's top producer of olive oil, with production accounting for over 40% of the global total according to the cited data. The country has a structured supply chain, a vast network of producers, and significant processing and export capacity.

The increase in imports from Morocco does not, of course, undermine Spain's dominant position in the sector. Rather, it illustrates the growing complexity of exchanges in a market where a large producing country may also rely on external supplies.

Prices and Harvests at the Heart of Decisions

The olive oil trade remains heavily dependent on fluctuations in agricultural production. Harvests, weather conditions, the availability of olives, and price trends can quickly alter the purchasing strategies of industrial players and traders.

In this context, imports can help operators secure their supplies or respond to a given demand when domestic market conditions change.

Logistical costs are also a determining factor in supply decisions. The proximity of Morocco to Spain can thus represent a favorable factor when commercial conditions are met.

A Trend to Watch

The strong increase recorded in the first half of 2026 is therefore an indicator to monitor for the Moroccan agri-food sector. If this trend continues in the coming months, it could signify a strengthening of olive oil exchanges between Rabat and Madrid.

For Moroccan stakeholders, the challenge will now be to transform this temporary spike in exports into a lasting presence in the Spanish market.

In a sector subject to significant price and production variations, the ability to ensure a regular and competitive supply will be crucial.