The Spanish Almond and Hazelnut Exporters Association, SAB-Almendrave, has welcomed the newly agreed phytosanitary protocol that clears a path for Spanish almonds into China. This milestone signals a deliberate shift in a sector that is actively building diversified export routes and strengthening international partnerships. The agreement marks a turning point for growers and processors who are pursuing steadier access to growing markets while maintaining the strength of existing trade relationships.
The arrangement opens the possibility for annual shipments of up to 50,000 tons of almond kernels to China, with a potential increase to 90,000 tons by 2032. Projections point to the almond export market to China reaching a value well over 600 million euros within the next decade, underscoring the scale of opportunity for Spain’s almond industry and the broader supply chain that supports it. This forecast reflects growing demand in Asia for higher-quality, diversified foods and a reminder of the importance of reliable, efficient logistics to translate policy into sustained commerce.
The journey to today’s agreement began in 2018, when work on the export framework commenced. The process involved rigorous negotiations, careful procedural steps, and a clear, shared commitment from all involved parties. Stakeholders acknowledge that such deals require patience, coordinated effort, and a long-term view. They also recognize the government’s willingness to listen to sector needs and to align policy with practical export realities, which has helped unlock new opportunities for Spanish almond producers.
Since the signing, China has emerged as a major alternate destination for Spanish almond products. In Europe, the market remains mature, with Spain historically supplying a sizeable portion of exports and facilitating trade to neighboring markets. The pivot toward China reflects a strategic balance: maintaining success in traditional markets while pursuing high-growth opportunities abroad that can support long-term sustainability for growers and processors alike.
The value of the agreement lies in its dual impact: it grants access to a consumer base of more than 1.4 billion people and it supports sustainable growth within Spain’s almond sector. Analysts note that the landscape could shift significantly in the coming years as irrigated farming expands. If new plantations come online, the arable area suitable for almond trees is expected to grow from the current footprint of roughly 756,694 hectares, signaling a robust trajectory for production capacity without compromising environmental stewardship. This expansion would be coordinated with water management, soil health practices, and ongoing investment in farm productivity to ensure resilience against climate variability.
From a logistics perspective, the partnership offers competitive advantages for shipments heading to China. The steady outbound flow of containers between China and Spain helps optimize return logistics, shorten transit times, and elevate overall supply chain efficiency for exporters. This streamlined movement is a key factor in maintaining product freshness, reducing costs, and supporting predictable delivery schedules for buyers in Asia’s largest consumer market.
Looking ahead, April marks a coordinated phase of engagement between Spanish exporters and Chinese importers, complemented by practical seminars designed to illuminate the specifics of the Chinese market. These events are aimed at translating policy into tangible, market-ready opportunities, with a focus on quality control, packaging standards, and regulatory compliance aligned with Chinese requirements. The sessions are intended to help Spanish companies navigate market entry with confidence and to establish reliable, long-term partnerships that can withstand market fluctuations and regulatory changes.