Morocco’s Olive Oil Sales Surge in Spain by 100%: Market Shift?
Morocco multiplies its olive oil sales – Spain’s olive oil market has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent months, with Morocco’s olive oil sales to the country surging by over 100% in just a year. Data from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Enterprise, as well as reports from DataComex, indicate that Morocco’s exports to Spain jumped from 103 tonnes in January-April 2025 to 10,384.7 tonnes in the same period of 2026—a 9,979% increase. This rapid growth has sparked questions about whether Morocco is poised to challenge Spain’s long-standing olive oil suppliers and reshape regional trade dynamics.
Explosive Growth in Export Volumes
The meteoric rise in Moroccan olive oil exports to Spain is not just a statistical anomaly but a strategic shift in the market. The amount of oil imported from Morocco has effectively multiplied by 100, making it a significant contender in the European market. The value of these imports also saw a dramatic increase, climbing from 340,000 euros to 32.76 million euros, reflecting the broader economic impact of this surge. While the numbers are impressive, they still represent a relatively small portion of Spain’s total olive oil consumption.
“Morocco’s olive oil sales to Spain have reached unprecedented levels, with a 9,979% increase in the first half of 2026,” said DataComex analysts, emphasizing the accuracy of the data and its potential to redefine market trends.
Despite this dramatic growth, Morocco’s share of Spain’s olive oil imports remains modest. As of February 2026, the country accounted for 7.48% of total imports, compared to just 2.01% in the previous year. This rapid expansion is a testament to Morocco’s increasing influence, but it still leaves room for other major players in the sector. Spain’s domestic production, for example, remains a critical component of the market, with nearly 1.295 million tonnes harvested in the 2025-2026 season alone.
Trade Balance Reversal and Competitive Landscape
The shift in trade balance is another indicator of Morocco’s growing role in Spain’s olive oil supply chain. In January-April 2025, Spain exported 2,721 tonnes of olive oil to Morocco, but by 2026, this had dropped to 673.72 tonnes—a 75.2% decline. This reversal highlights a change in direction, with Spain now importing more olive oil from Morocco than it exports to the country. However, Morocco’s rise is not a complete takeover, as Tunisia still dominates the non-EU market with 81% of the EU’s olive oil imports from third countries.
Spain’s olive oil imports from Morocco have been bolstered by several factors, including a rebound in domestic production and favorable trade agreements. The Moroccan Interprofessional Olive Federation reported that output during the 2025-2026 season nearly doubled to 200,000 tonnes, driven by the recovery of olive groves from years of drought. Additionally, Morocco’s competitive pricing has made its olive oil more appealing to Spanish consumers and businesses, contributing to the expansion of its sales.
Spain’s Olive Oil Imports and Regional Dynamics
Spain’s olive oil imports from Morocco are part of a larger pattern of regional competition. While Morocco’s olive oil sales to Spain have grown rapidly, other countries like Tunisia, Portugal, and Italy continue to play major roles in the market. In the first two months of 2026, Spain imported a total of 39,624.61 tonnes of olive oil, with Tunisia remaining the top supplier. Morocco’s contribution of 10,384.7 tonnes in January-April 2026 marked its fourth-place ranking in the EU market, showing progress but not yet a dominant position.
Spain’s reliance on Moroccan olive oil is also influenced by the decline of traditional suppliers. Reports from the European Commission reveal that countries like Turkey, Syria, and Argentina have seen steep drops in exports, with Turkey’s olive oil sales falling by 95.1%. These reductions have created space for emerging producers like Morocco to gain traction. However, the market realignment is more about redistribution than a single country’s takeover, as Spain’s domestic production still holds significant sway.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Although Morocco’s olive oil sales to Spain have experienced explosive growth, the country faces ongoing challenges in maintaining its momentum. The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture predicts a 9% decrease in domestic olive oil output for the 2025-2026 season, which has increased the demand for imports. This decline, combined with Morocco’s aggressive expansion, has led to a reallocation of market share, but the long-term impact remains to be seen.
As Morocco continues to boost its olive oil sales in Spain, the competition with other suppliers will intensify. While the 100% increase in exports is a landmark achievement, it underscores the need for sustained quality and market strategy. With its growing presence, Morocco may soon become a key player in the European market, but the question of whether it is fully taking over remains unanswered.
