Although export volume has declined, export value rose by 9.5% from January to June 2020, compared with last year.
Spanish fruit and vegetable producers should be pleased with results from the first half of 2020, when produce exports increased by a solid 9.5% compared with the same period last year. Although exports did decline in terms of volume, in the first six months they amounted to 7.2 million tons and 8.564 billion euros, according to data from Spain’s Customs and Excise Duties Department.
Vegetables saw a slight decline in export volume in the period, by just 1.4%, although export value expanded by 5.5%, to 3.728 billion euros. Fruit registered a similar performance, with export volume slipping by 5% but value increasing sharply, by 13%, to 4.835 billion euros. In particular, it’s worth highlighting the positive performance of stone fruit, such as peaches and nectarines, for which exports increased notably in terms of volume and value.
According to FEPEX, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables, data for January through June of 2020 reflect a positive situation. However, given the declines in export volume, measures will be taken to improve companies’ competitiveness and diversify markets in the current turbulent context.