MADRID: Spain’s fresh vegetable imports from Morocco totalled 133,891 tonnes (+26%) in the first half of 2016. In the whole of the EU, imports amounted to 482,000 tonnes (+13%).
Noteworthy is the strong growth of Spain’s tomato imports in the months of January, February and March, which grew by 47% and amounted to 20,206 tonnes. Strong growth was also recorded in the import of courgettes, with 9,517 tonnes (+175%) and peppers, with 26,500 tonnes (+23%). Green beans remain the most imported vegetable by Spain from Morocco, with 58,057 tonnes (+14%).
Tomatoes and courgettes are two products for which the Association Agreement between the EU and Morocco has set a fixed price and other measures to maintain the level of traditional Moroccan exports and prevent disruption in the EU markets. FEPEX has asked for these to be enforced strictly in the campaign that is just starting.
