The Netherlands was the EU's largest importer of fruit and vegetables from third countries in the first half (1H) of 2021, with 32 percent of the total.

In total, imports via the Netherlands accounted for 3,7 million of the 11,4 million tonnes imported by the EU from third countries.

These 3,7 million tons represented a growth of 7% compared to the same period in 2020.

In terms of value, imports amounted to 4.510 million euros, 3% more, according to the latest data from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) processed by Fepex.

The role of the Netherlands as an importer of fruit and vegetables outside the EU has become more important, with a growth of 26% in the last five years, from 3,5 million tons in the first half of 2016 to 3,7, 2020 million tons in XNUMX.

After the Netherlands, the second largest importing country was Belgium with 1,5 million tons in 2020.

France imported 1,37 million tons in 2020, Italy 1,27 million tons and Spain 1,4 million tons.