2025 has been anything but predictable. Trade disputes, tariffs, shifting supply chains… and yet, Spain’s agri-food sector has once again shown it’s a global force to be reckoned with. This year, Spanish food and drink exports didn’t just hold steady, they grew. Quietly but steadily. And that says a lot.
A tough year and a strong one. Let’s put it in simple terms: while the Spanish economy saw overall exports grow just 1% in the first half of 2025, the agri-food and fisheries sector grew by 4.5%. That may not sound huge, but in a year like this? That’s resilience.
Spain continues to punch above it’s weight int the global food trade, not just in volume, but in the kind of premium, high-value products the world is craving almonds, olive oil, wine, cured meats and more.
The U.S. market: big, tricky, still essential
Now, let’s talk tariffs, the elephant in the room. In 2025, U.S. trade policies have been mixed bag. Extra duties on European products (up to 15% in some cases) hit key Spanish exports like olive oil, wine, gourmet snacks and the table olives hard.
In 2024, fear of further tariff hikes actually caused a 22% jump in Spanish food exports to the U.S., as importers rushed to stock up. But this year, things cooled down. Sales yo the U.S. slowed and for some categories, margins got tight.
Still, the U.S. remains a vital market. American consumer continue to seek out authentic Mediterranean products, especially clean-label, sustainable and flavor-packed options. But exporters know: it’s no longer just about price, it’s about navigating policy, logistics and local partnerships smartly.
China: strategic growth and smart diversification
While tensions with the U.S. simmered, China quietly became one of Spain’s most reliable partners. In 2024, Spain exported around $7.7 billion to China, and 2025 has only pushed that higher, not just un food, but across categories.
From pork to wine, from extra virgin oil to citrus, China’s appetite for premium European products keeps growing. And Spain is well- positioned to meet that demand.
It’s not just about volume, it’s about strategic diversification. Spanish companies are reducing their dependency on traditional Western markets and looking East, where quality, origin and authenticity are gaining ground fast.
Spanish almonds & premium agri-exports: quiet heroes
You won’t find detailed export data on Marcona or Valencia almonds just yet, that’s expected in early 2026. But if you’ve been paying attention, you know these are two of Spain’s best-kept secrets going global.
In 2024, fruits and nuts were among Spain’s fastest- growing export segments, up over 14%. And within that, almonds, especially Spanish-grow, oil-marinated or truffle-infused, are becoming a standout.
So, what’s driving it’
- New markets in Asia, with rising interest in healthy snacks and Mediterranean diets.
- Lower reliance on the U.S., thanks to China and EU internal demand.
- A shift toward value-added products, not just raw ingredients, think almonds with smoked paprika, olive oil or even black olive powder.
Looking ahead: 2026 and beyond
So, what can we take away from 2025?
- Spain’s agri-food exports are still growing, even with trade uncertainty.
- Tariffs from the U.S. remain in a challenge, but not a dead end.
- China is a growth engine and Spain is stepping uo.
- Premium, story-rich food, almonds, oils, wines, is the path forward.
Spain’s food industry is doing what it does best: adapting, innovating and exporting with purpose. And if you’re a buyer, distributor or food brand looking for a partner who gets the balance between tradition and flexibility, maybe it’s time to look south, toward Spain.
Because this isn’t just about exporting food, it’s about exporting a lifestyle.
