Spain is increasingly turning to olive oil from countries outside the European Union. The non-EU imports increased by 83.9% in the first five months of 2026, reaching 73,400 tons, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).
The increase occurs in a market where Spain remains the world’s leading producer and exporter of olive oil, but where national availability has been lower than expected during the current campaign.
Total imports also grow
Between January and May, Spain imported 115,300 tons of olive oil, 27.5% more than in the same period of 2025. Of that amount, 73,400 tons came from third countries, which represents the aforementioned increase of 83.9%.
The industry links this surge mainly to the lower available supply in Spain and the price difference with other Mediterranean producing countries.
According to the Spanish Association of the Olive Oil Export Industry and Trade (Asoliva), Spain has had a lower availability than expected, while countries like Tunisia, which has recorded a good harvest, are offering oil at lower prices.
Tunisia and Morocco gain weight
Among the non-EU suppliers, Tunisia stands out, one of the major Mediterranean producers of olive oil. The entry of oil from Morocco has also increased significantly, with its sales to the European Union registering important growth during 2026.
The increase in foreign purchases allows the industry to have raw materials to meet national demand and maintain its export activity at a time of lower availability of Spanish oil.
How does it affect prices?
The increase in imports comes at a time of strong transformation in the oil market. Spanish producers complain that the entry of cheaper products from other markets is increasing the pressure on prices at origin.
The situation benefits the industry and the market when it needs to guarantee supply, but it generates concern among farmers, who see how the price they receive for their production may be affected by the arrival of oil from other countries.
At the same time, the final price for the consumer does not depend solely on what is paid to the producer: the costs of transformation, packaging, distribution, and marketing also influence it.
Spain remains a world power
Despite the increase in imports, Spain maintains its dominant position in the sector. The MAPA points out that the country concentrates around 70% of the olive oil production of the European Union and 45% of the world production. Furthermore, Spain is the world’s largest exporter and sells oil to more than 150 countries.
The increase in purchases from third countries reflects, therefore, a situational supply situation rather than a change in Spanish leadership in the sector.
The evolution of imports and prices at origin will be key in the coming months, especially as the campaign progresses and the next Spanish production is known.
Dining and Cooking