The Spanish fresh produce sector has managed to maintain export volumes while achieving a significant increase in value during the first six months of 2025, according to data compiled by FEPEX, the Spanish federation of fruit and vegetable producers and exporters.
Between January and June, export volumes stood at 6.6 million tonnes, virtually unchanged from the same period in 2024 (down just 0.21%). However, the value of those shipments climbed to €10.97 billion, marking an 8.94% year-on-year increase.
This growth was driven largely by rising prices and continued strong demand from EU countries, which accounted for 84% of total exports. Germany remains the leading destination with 1.89 million tonnes, followed by France (1.18 million) and the UK (740,000 tonnes).
Vegetables and fruits show different trends
The vegetable segment saw a 2.75% decline in volume, totalling 3.2 million tonnes, yet its value rose 5.44% to €4.98 billion. Lettuce and peppers were the top exported vegetables by volume, but peppers led in value, generating €1.06 billion, followed by tomatoes with €677.5 million.
On the fruit side, exports grew 2.28% to reach 3.4 million tonnes, while value jumped 12.04%, totalling nearly €6 billion.
Imports into Spain also rising
Spanish imports of fresh produce are also increasing. In the first half of 2025, 2.4 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables entered the country (up 9.09%), with a total value of €2.96 billion, a 14.72% rise compared to the same period last year.
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Tomato imports, in particular, stand out. Shipments from Morocco surged by 56%, now accounting for over half (54.5%) of all tomato imports into Spain. This has pushed total tomato imports up by 45.6%, even as domestic tomato exports declined by 10%.
According to FEPEX, this trend highlights ongoing challenges for Spanish tomato growers, who are increasingly facing pressure from competitive imports under favourable trade terms.
