Spain is losing ground in the fruit and vegetable market

Due to high production costs and competition from countries outside the EU, Spanish exports fell by 4% in 2025. The vegetable sector was hit hardest, with supplies falling by 7% and tomato sales plummeting by 15%.

This was reported by Fruitnet.

Despite a drop in physical volumes to 12 million tonnes, Spanish farmers’ revenue grew by 4% to $18.67 billion. However, the Fepex federation is concerned: local farmers are losing the fight against imports, as they are forced to comply with strict EU environmental and labour standards that do not apply to competitors from third countries.

Fruit exports were more stable: volumes remained almost unchanged (6.6 million tonnes), and revenue grew by 6.5% to $10.5 billion. Watermelons, nectarines and strawberries showed the best dynamics. At the same time, Spanish imports of vegetables and fruits increased by 3% in volume and 8% in value.

“The decline in exports is a consequence of the protectionist policies of many countries and the complexity of negotiations on the opening of markets,” Fepex stressed.

“We call for a trade policy with third countries that includes reciprocal measures and the priority of EU production,” the association stressed.

Tags: fruits