The rise in olive oil exports

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 13 August, olive oil exports exceeded a billing value of more than 2 billion euros during the 2017–2018 season.

In terms of olive oil production and exports, Spain holds the number one position in the world. It also ranks fourth among products exported from Spain, behind citrus fruits, wines and pork. This product makes a significant contribution to the country's economic foundations in terms of commercial activity.

Olive oil in recent years

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in exports of bottled olive oil at the expense of bulk olive oil. Exports of this product between October and May fell by 25.45% compared to the previous year, with a billing value of 2.014 billion euros.

Meanwhile, Italy remains the main export destination despite a recent reduction in shipments to that country, which reached 117,000 tonnes.

In the case of olive pomace oil, exports have hit an all-time high for this period, surpassing last season's figures and setting a new record. Revenue generated by this product alone reached 203 million euros.

Furthermore, demand for this product has grown in countries outside the European Union, including Brazil (up 6%), Australia (up 5%) and China (up 18%). The United States, by contrast, recorded a decline of up to 24%.

Olive oil imports

Setting exports aside, significant fluctuations have also been recorded on the import side.

So far this season, imports have reached 115,878 tonnes, up 73.57% on the previous year. Olive oil imports from European Union countries totalled 49,110 tonnes, while imports from third countries reached 66,768 tonnes.

According to EFEAGRO (Spain's only news agency specialising in agri-food information), Tunisia led the rise in extra-EU imports with an increase of 250% compared to the previous season, equivalent to 25,024 additional tonnes; Argentina followed with a surge of 451% (+5,166 tonnes).

If you'd like to explore more interesting facts about olive oil, we invite you to browse our other articles.