Murcia pickers

Spanish fruit and vegetable exports to the UK fell by 7 per cent in volume but registered an increase of 6 per cent in January and February compared to the year-earlier period.

Customs data shows that in the first two months since the post-Brexit trade agreement came into force, exports totalled 302,190 tonnes, worth €427m.

Fepex said the agreement had enabled exporters to avoid paying €198m in customs duties during the two months, but noted that administrative costs had risen due to the requirement for more documentation.

Since 1 January 2021, exporting companies have been required to use customs declarations and certificates of compliance with marketing standards.