Spanish imports of Moroccan olive oil surged to 10,384.7 tonnes between January and April 2026, marking a 9,979% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise’s DataComex. This shift reflects a broader redistribution of Mediterranean olive oil suppliers as Spain, the world’s largest producer, navigates domestic production fluctuations and changing trade dynamics.
Why Did Moroccan Olive Oil Imports Skyrocket?
The dramatic percentage increase stems from a low statistical baseline. In early 2025, Spain imported only 103 tonnes of olive oil from Morocco. By early 2026, that figure climbed to over 10,000 tonnes. While the growth rate appears extreme, it represents a shift in procurement rather than a total market takeover. According to DataComex, the economic value of these imports rose from 340,000 euros to 32.76 million euros in the same timeframe.
This growth is underpinned by a recovery in Moroccan production. The Moroccan Interprofessional Olive Federation estimates a yield of nearly 200,000 tonnes for the 2025-2026 campaign, double the previous year’s output following the end of persistent drought conditions. Competitive pricing, supported by preferential trade terms with the European Union, has further incentivized Spanish importers to source from Morocco.
Despite the rapid growth, Moroccan oil still represents a small slice of the Spanish market. As of February 2026, Morocco supplied 7.48% of Spain’s total olive oil imports, up from 2.01% the previous year.
How Has the Trade Balance Shifted Between Spain and Morocco?
The trade relationship between the two nations has reversed. In the first four months of 2025, Spain acted as a net exporter to Morocco, selling 2,721 tonnes of oil. By the same period in 2026, Spanish exports to Morocco plummeted, falling to just 673.72 tonnes. This drop in export volume, valued at 2.44 million euros, signifies a cooling of Spanish sales to its neighbor while Moroccan imports into Spain have accelerated.
Who Are the Primary Olive Oil Suppliers to Spain?
Morocco is currently the fourth-largest external supplier of olive oil to Spain, but it faces significant competition from other Mediterranean producers. Data for the first two months of 2026 show that Tunisia remains the dominant source, providing 15,861.10 tonnes, followed by Portugal at 13,174.47 tonnes and Italy at 4,257.19 tonnes.
The European Commission reports that while imports of Moroccan oil across the EU rose by 712.6% between October 2025 and March 2026, Tunisia still accounts for 81% of all olive oil imported into the EU from non-member countries. Other traditional suppliers, including Turkey, Syria, and Argentina, have seen their export volumes to the EU decline significantly, suggesting a wider realignment in global supply chains.
Monitor annual production reports from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture to gauge future import needs. When Spanish domestic yields—which reached 1.295 million tonnes in the 2025-2026 campaign—dip, the market naturally compensates with increased reliance on international suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moroccan olive oil replacing Spanish production?
No. While imports have increased, Spanish production remains significantly higher than the volume of oil brought in from Morocco. The import growth represents a supplementary supply shift rather than a replacement of domestic output.
Why did Spanish exports to Morocco drop so sharply?
Spanish exports to Morocco fell by a large margin between early 2025 and 2026. This is largely attributed to the recovery of Morocco’s own domestic olive production, which reduced the country’s need for imported oil from Spain.
Which country is the main supplier of olive oil to the EU?
Tunisia remains the primary supplier of olive oil to the European Union from outside the bloc, accounting for 81% of such imports, according to the European Commission.
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