Following are several best prospects within the Spanish agriculture sector, including a market overview and trade data.
Seafood
Overview
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market Size | 8,325,533 | 8,809,402 | 9,063.751 | 9,000,000 |
| Total Local Production | 5,225,000 | 5,250,000 | 5,300,000 | 5,500,000 |
| Total Exports | 3,240,110 | 4,275,083 | 4,469,285 | 4,500,000 |
| Total Imports | 6,340,643 | 7,834,485 | 8,233,036 | 8,000,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 86,069 | 81,603 | 93,975 | 100,000 |
Average Exchange Rate: USD/EUR | 1.142 | 1.183 | 1.053 | 1.08 |
Unit: $US thousand.
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: FAS Madrid estimates
Total Exports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Total Imports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Imports from U.S.: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Data corresponds to HS Code 03 (Fish and Crustaceans, Mollusks and other aquatic Invertebrates).
Spain is an enormous market for fish and seafood. In 2022, Spain was the fourth largest importer of fish and seafood in the world after the United States, China, and Japan, and is a net importer of these products. Spain has one of the largest fish processing industries in Europe and has a high per capita consumption and a high per capita expenditure on fish and seafood products. Spanish fish and seafood production through commercial fishing and aquaculture is not sufficient to meet domestic demand. Therefore, imports remain a key element in sustaining the category. Top sellers from the United States in 2022 include cod, surimi, hake, squid, pollock, and lobster.
Resources
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
NOAA Fisheries “Exporting Seafood to the European Union”
NOAA Seafood Inspection Program
FAS USEU Mission
FAS GAIN Reports
FAS Madrid Contact: AgMadrid@usda.gov
Tree Nuts
Overview
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market Size | 2,646,813 | 3,061,671 | 2,448,574 | 3,030,000 |
| Total Local Production | 2,476,600 | 3,000,000 | 2,200,000 | 2,800,000 |
| Total Exports | 823,291 | 894,497 | 737,741 | 720,000 |
| Total Imports | 993,504 | 956,168 | 986,315 | 950,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 711,537 | 612,691 | 631,081 | 625,000 |
Average Exchange Rate: USD/EUR | 1.142 | 1.183 | 1.053 | 1.08 |
Unit: $US thousand
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: FAS Madrid estimates
Total Exports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Total Imports:) Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Imports from U.S.: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Data corresponds to HS Code 0802 (Nuts NESOI, Fresh or dried).
Opportunities
Spain is a major import market for tree nuts, and the United States is the primary supplier to the national market. In 2022, Spanish imports of U.S. nuts were valued at $631 million (€586.9 million), led by shelled almonds, valued at over $435 million (€404.5 million), followed by pistachios and shelled walnuts. In Spain, tree nuts are part of the traditional Mediterranean diet, and consumption is split between the snack food and the ingredient categories. Tree nuts enjoy an excellent image related to health and nutrition.
The U.S. share of the Spanish almond market is expected to remain unchanged, at almost 90%. Spain is a major processing and distribution center for California almonds in Europe. The nuts are imported, reprocessed domestically, and then re-exported to third countries. U.S. walnuts, both shelled and in-shell, are also making important in-roads in the Spanish market. Pistachio imports have increased considerably over the last five years and are expected to continue this trend.
Resources
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
FAS Madrid Contact: AgMadrid@usda.gov
Soybeans
Overview
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market Size | 1,299,287 | 2,024,618 | 2,055,038 | 1,983,341 |
| Total Local Production | 1,732 | 2,579 | 2,213 | 1,590 |
| Total Exports | 9,505 | 2,486 | 5,791 | 6,255 |
| Total Imports | 1,307,060 | 2,024,526 | 2,058,616 | 1,988,005 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 388,739 | 529,240 | 561,458 | 719,845 |
Average Exchange Rate: USD/EUR | 1.142 | 1.183 | 1.053 | 1.08 |
Unit: USD thousands
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: FAS Madrid estimates
Total Exports: Trade Data Monitor
Total Imports: Trade Data Monitor
Imports from U.S.: Trade Data Monitor
Data corresponding to Soybeans, (HS Code 1201) Trade Data Monitor
Opportunities
Soybeans in Spain are crushed to obtain soybean meal for the feed industry and soybean oil for the biodiesel industry. Soybean crushing capacity in Spain amounts to 3.5 million metric tons of beans and takes place in four processing plants managed by two companies located in the ports of Barcelona (two plants), Bilbao, and Cartagena. Crushers tend to use installed capacity at a high level to ensure asset optimization. Price competitiveness with other suppliers (mostly located in South America) and other oilseeds determines demand for U.S. soybeans in the feed and biofuel markets. Beyond price competitiveness, EU initiatives to minimize deforestation, fight climate change, and move towards more sustainable food systems, could favor U.S. soybeans against competitors if properly implemented.
Resources
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
FAS Madrid Contact: AgMadrid@usda.gov
Pulses and Legumes
Overview
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market Size | 310,652 | 303,781 | 323,115 | 390,000 |
| Total Local Production | 140,000 | 160,000 | 150,000 | 140,000 |
| Total Exports | 57,762 | 50,543 | 46,450 | 50,000 |
| Total Imports | 228,414 | 194,324 | 219,565 | 300,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 48,386 | 28,569 | 38,371 | 45,000 |
Average Exchange Rate: USD/EUR | 1.142 | 1.183 | 1.053 | 1.08 |
Unit: $US thousand dollars
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: FAS Madrid estimates
Total Exports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Total Imports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Imports from U.S.: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Data corresponds to HS Code 0713 (Leguminous Vegetables, Dried Shelled)
Opportunities
Legumes are a fundamental part of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Spain is a net importer and the largest consumer of pulses in the EU. Dry legumes dominate the market, compared with jarred or canned products. However, canned legumes have registered a steady increase over the years, most likely due to changing eating habits towards ready-to-eat products. The increased interest in consumption, the plant-based diet trend, and the limited domestic supply of dry beans open opportunities for exporters. U.S. exports in this market are led by lentils followed by chickpeas. Spanish companies also process and re-export dry edible beans to foreign markets.
Resources
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
FAS Madrid Contact: AgMadrid@usda.gov
Cereal
Overview
Food Ingredients
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Market Size | 9,550,316 | 9,977,503 | 12,064,673 | 12,071,861 |
| Total Local Production | 6,949,188 | 6,546,122 | 6,174,400 | 4,764,448 |
| Total Exports | 309,959 | 335,151 | 344,441 | 151,175 |
| Total Imports | 2,911,087 | 3,766,531 | 6,234,714 | 7,458,588 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 13,213 | 753 | 254,914 | 8,489 |
Average Exchange Rate: USD/EUR | 1.142 | 1.183 | 1.053 | 1.08 |
Unit: $US thousand
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: FAS Madrid estimates
Total Exports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Total Imports: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Imports from U.S.: Trade Data Monitor Inc (TDM)
Data corresponds to HS Code 10 (Cereals)
Opportunities
Depending on the size of the domestic grain crop and feed demand, Spain has an annual grain deficit of 10 to 19 million metric tons (MT). The dynamic Spanish export-oriented livestock sector, combined with highly variable grain yields, ensure a strong feed ingredients demand. Bulk commodity trading companies based in Spain are the main gateway to the Spanish feed and food grains market.
For food grains, U.S. exports of wheat to Spain are losing competitiveness against other origins. On average, U.S. wheat exports to Spain amount to nearly 55,000 MT every year. Wheat imports from the United States consist mainly of food grade soft wheat. In contrast to other EU countries, Spain is a net exporter of durum wheat, so durum imports are negligible.
Spain’s total corn imports continue to grow steadily due to increased competitiveness of corn compared to other feed grains. The phase out of the EU’s 25% duty on U.S. corn since January 2022 has opened opportunities for increased U.S. corn sales in Spain.
Resources
Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food
FAS USEU Mission