Ten years after the Brexit referendum, Spain’s export volumes to the UK have declined significantly while value has jumped 29 per cent
Ten years on from the referendum that saw Britain vote to leave the European Union, Fepex has outlined how that historic moment has affected Spain’s fresh produce trade with what is its third-largest export market behind Germany and France.
The association pointed out that, in the decade since the vote, new administrative requirements have been introduced that have consequently increased costs and intensified competition from third countries.
Spain’s fruit and vegetable exports to the UK have fallen 16.6 per cent in volume for the period 2016-2025, down from 1.55mn tonnes to 1.29mn tonnes.
By contrast, value has soared, up 29 per cent to €2.27bn in 2025, according to statistics from the Department of Customs and Special Taxes.
”This trend points to a scenario of higher selling prices, but also higher costs and increasing competitive pressure,” Fepex stated.
”Therefore, the increase in value cannot be automatically interpreted as a corresponding improvement in profitability.”
It highlighted the fact that, following Brexit, the UK established additional requirements to control the import of fruit, vegetables, and other fresh produce from the EU.
These requirements have been implemented in phases, resulting in a greater administrative burden and increased costs, Fepex noted.
”Specifically, since January 2021, the submission of a customs declaration (DUA) and a certificate of conformity with marketing standards has been required for most fresh fruit and vegetables,” the association continued. “These two requirements have been met by operators.
”Another additional requirement established in 2021 was the mandatory phytosanitary certificate for fruit and vegetable exports.
“However, this requirement has been delayed several times due to the complexity of its implementation and the high cost of these controls,” it said.
”The phytosanitary certificate requirement has not yet come into effect for fruits and vegetables (categorised as medium and non-risk), and is scheduled to be implemented in January 2027.
”However, it has been in effect for years for products that British authorities considered high-risk (flowers, plants, and potatoes),” Fepex pointed out.
”At the same time, the European Commission and the United Kingdom are negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Protocol (SPS) to waive these controls.”
The new trade framework following Brexit has had a direct impact on the cost structure of the export sector, the association confirmed.
New certifications and customs procedures have increased the cost of export operations while delays and administrative complexity have also pushed up logistics and management costs.
”The sector has had to absorb additional costs without fully passing them on to the final price, in a market as competitive as the UK,” Fepex added.
”Along with the increased costs, the major change following Brexit has been the rise of third-country suppliers.”
