In 2020, Spain imported $1.67 billion of agricultural, fish and forest products from the United States. Outside the European Union Member States, the United States was the second largest origin of Spanish agricultural and related imports after Brazil. As one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic's first wave in 2020, Spain's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) collapsed by a historic 10.8 percent. The latest forecast from the Bank of Spain reduced its 2021 growth projection to 4.5 percent, down from 6.4 percent, and projected Spanish economic growth in 2022 would be 5.4 percent, down from 5.8 percent. Despite the slower recovery, the Spanish market still offers opportunities for certain consumer-oriented food items, as well as long-term prospects for other products.
Best High-Value, Consumer-Oriented Product Prospects Category
Products Present in the Market with Good Sales Potential
Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, and pistachios) -- Peanuts -- Pulses -- Sunflower seeds – Frozen Fish and Seafood (surimi, cod, lobster) -- Spirits (Bourbon)
Products Not Present in Significant Quantities with Good Sales Potential
Functional and innovative health food -- Free-from products (lactose-free, gluten-free) -- Specialty and snack foods – Other nuts (pecans); Sweet potatoes -- Pet foods
Products Not Present Because They Face Significant Barriers
Red meat and meat preparations (hormone ban) -- Poultry (sanitary procedures – pathogen reduction treatments) -- Processed food (with GMO ingredients)
U.S. Embassy, Madrid
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