Export value outpaced volume growth for the Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable sector in the first half of 2017, with an uptick in sales both within and outside the European Union.

According to figures released by Spanish horticultural grower association Fepex, total exports rose 6% year-on-year to €7.53 billion while volume increased 1.99% to 6.88 million metric tons (MT).

Of that amount, €464 million went to non-EU countries, representing a 7% jump in value compared to a 4% rise in volume to 377,798MT.

In non-EU markets, 59% of the volume was destined outside Europe with the remainder sold within the European continent but outside the EU. 

Fepex highlighted a 52% hike in volume exported to China with sales of €20 million corresponding to 18,019MT, while the U.S. received 72% more Spanish fresh produce at €23 million and 10,544MT.

Exports also rose to South Africa, reaching 3,571MT and €6.6 million.

Breaking down the category, vegetables had stronger export growth of 8.35% (to €3.35 billion), compared to 4.26% for fruit (to €4.18 billion). 

Spain's fresh fruit and vegetable imports were also up, increasing 11% to €1.35 billion, while import volumes were up 2.5% at 1.57 million MT. 

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