Spain, a key player in the global fruit trade, has seen a dramatic shift in its watermelon import patterns over the last two seasons. From August 2021 to July 2023, Spain reduced its watermelon imports from Morocco by 75.51%, decreasing by 87.3 million kg, according to data from Estacom (ICEX) and the Integrated Tariff of the European Communities (TARIC). This shift in trade is significant given Morocco’s role as Spain’s leading watermelon supplier.
In the 2021/22 season, Spain imported 115.58 million kg of watermelons from Morocco, but by the 2023/24 season, this figure had plummeted to 28.31 million kg. The value of these imports also saw a sharp decline, falling from €115.58 million to €22.03 million, despite a slight increase in the average price per kilogram, rising from €0.68 to €0.78. This reduction points to a considerable realignment in Spain’s sourcing strategy.
Meanwhile, Spain has turned to other suppliers to meet its demand. Senegal, for example, has become a major player in the market, increasing its watermelon exports to Spain by 89.5%, or 11.33 million kg, during the same period. In the 2023/24 season, Senegal supplied 23.99 million kg of watermelons, accounting for 31.01% of Spain’s total imports. Senegalese watermelons were imported at a value of €14.57 million, with an average price of €0.61 per kilogram, making it a competitive option for Spanish buyers.
Mauritania has also emerged as a key supplier, with a staggering 246.1% increase in its watermelon exports to Spain, amounting to an additional 8.73 million kg. Mauritania’s exports for the 2023/24 season totaled 12.27 million kg, contributing 15.86% to Spain’s overall watermelon imports. The value of these imports reached €10.47 million, with an average price of €0.85 per kilogram, placing Mauritania in a strong competitive position despite the higher price.
Interestingly, while Spain reduced its watermelon imports from Morocco and other sources by 44.89%, the overall quantity of imports from Senegal and Mauritania grew significantly. Imports from Italy and Brazil, while smaller, also contributed to Spain’s diversification efforts. Italy exported 3.79 million kg at €2.29 million (€0.60/kg), and Brazil supplied 3.1 million kg at €2.63 million (€0.85/kg).
This shift in import patterns can be attributed to several factors. Watermelon production in Morocco may have been affected by climatic challenges such as droughts, which have reduced yield and export capacity. Meanwhile, countries like Senegal and Mauritania have capitalized on this gap, expanding their export capabilities and solidifying their positions in the Spanish market.
Additionally, logistical and trade route changes, including those affected by port operations in Spain, have influenced import dynamics. Almería and Barcelona, two of the major entry points for watermelon imports, saw reductions of 55.24% and 42.34%, respectively. On the other hand, imports through the province of Valencia increased by 33.49%, showing how regional logistical adjustments are shaping Spain’s agricultural trade.
Spain’s significant reduction in watermelon imports from Morocco and its increased reliance on Senegal and Mauritania mark a major shift in the country’s agricultural trade strategy. This realignment is likely driven by a combination of market forces, environmental factors, and logistical changes. For farmers, agronomists, and agricultural businesses, these trends highlight the importance of adapting to shifting supply chains and exploring new trade relationships to ensure stability in the face of global market fluctuations.
