Obstructions and road closures disrupt transportation. Freight traffic on roads in France and Belgium faces slowdowns during the export season. Farmers have edited the landscape in several countries, with thousands of trucks loaded with citrus fruits already in motion. One of Spain’s main production regions, the Valencian Community, along with Murcia and Andalusia, contributes a substantial volume of fruit, totaling around 125,000 tons. The Citrus Management Committee, an employers’ association uniting major sector players, provides the latest industry insights.
During the peak export period, November through January accounts for about 45 percent of total season sales, with the bulk of shipments, roughly 93 percent, moving to the European Union and the United Kingdom. The orange sector and the broader fruit and vegetable industry are calling for safe transportation corridors to protect the free movement of goods across France and Belgium.
The citrus business organizations report that warehouses are strained or idle at times, causing delays in deliveries to customers, including large European distribution centers. Still, there is no apparent shortage of citrus fruits in continental stores at present. In France, major disruptions have hit cities such as Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, while other parts of the country have seen relatively smoother traffic compared with the previous weekend.
The Spanish citrus employers’ association acknowledges the reasons behind the French protests, yet notes that the Spanish fruit and vegetable sector is also feeling the impact of reduced competitiveness and the lack of reciprocity with production from third countries due to the European Union’s green policies and open-trade stance.
cooperatives
The Valencia region’s fruit and vegetable cooperatives, including Anecoop’s networks, have faced vandalism amid French protests. Management from Agriculture-Food Cooperatives reports that shipments for exports are delayed and some orders from Northern European buyers are canceled because goods cannot reach their destinations on time.
In light of the uncertainty in France, cooperatives have slowed shipment rhythms where possible. While there is no definitive evidence of vehicle break-ins or damage to goods, the protests have added to the operational challenges that exporters must manage. Cirilo Arnandis comments on the broader impact without overstating the situation.
Losses for the industry
Transportation and logistics form a critical link in the agriculture and food chain. The Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport notes that immediate government action is needed to support Spanish carriers operating in France. Valencian employers’ representatives within CETM urge the French government to curb vandalism and restore normal traffic. Attacks on trucks in parts of France and Belgium are a concern. France acts as a gateway to other markets, so road closures carry significant economic consequences for road freight in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Industry data show that more than 20,000 trucks cross the French border each day. The ongoing disruptions translate into substantial daily losses, with estimates around 600 euros per truck per day. Taken together, these figures reflect millions in daily losses when considering the entire cross-border network and the value of goods damaged or destroyed. The focus remains on protecting supply chains and minimizing risk to drivers and cargo. The industry emphasizes collective action to safeguard long-term access to European markets, balancing regional production with open trade and mutual recognition of safety concerns across member states. These assessments come from CETM and the Valencian employers’ association as part of a coordinated response to ensure the resilience of transport corridors during the export season.
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