Unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish market for unfit-for-human-consumption meat and fish flours began the period with increased regulatory scrutiny following the closure of an illegal factory producing such flours and fats in 2018, highlighting enforcement actions. Concurrently, a strategic plan to replace fishmeal with cheaper alternatives like soybean meal in aquaculture aimed to reduce dependency on fish-based flours. These developments set a context of tightening supply and evolving demand. Market volume dipped to 397 thousand tons in 2019 before recovering to 412 thousand tons in 2020, a year marked by a new EU-UK agreement setting conditions for trade in animal products for non-human consumption, which affected cross-border flows ahead of its 2021 implementation.

Regulatory pressure intensified in 2022 with updated microbiological and labeling standards for foodstuffs, including flours, and the ongoing application of the Royal Decree on quality standards. These measures increased compliance demands and coincided with a contraction in market volume to 374 thousand tons. Production, however, remained relatively stable near 571 thousand tons, suggesting the regulatory environment may have constrained market activity more than output.

A significant rebound in market volume to 427 thousand tons occurred in 2023. This expansion took place alongside reported challenges in the fishmeal segment, including an estimated 26% reduction in fishmeal production due to climatic fluctuations affecting anchovy and sardine catches, as well as high production costs and weak demand in aquaculture feed. The market context continued to evolve with the emergence of insect-based flours as a growing protein alternative, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape for animal feed ingredients.

Production unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's production of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves was valued at 244.6 million US dollars, marking a moderate 7.2% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The only decline during this period occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's production volume of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 535.9 thousand tonnes, representing a 5.4% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production dropped by 8.3%, averaging an annual decline of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Spain's export volumes of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves declined in 2020. Exports reached 232.7 thousand tonnes, showing a significant 14.6% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 272.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Thailand were the primary destinations for Spain's exports of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in volume terms. France accounted for 26.8% of exports, Italy for 15.5%, and Thailand for 15.0%. Together, these three countries represented 57.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Spain's exports of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 193.3 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 12.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 37.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, Italy, and Thailand were the leading buyers of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves from Spain in value terms. France held a 27.5% share of export value, Italy 13.6%, and Thailand 10.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 52.0% of Spain's total export value in this category.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's import volumes of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 108.9 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 6.1% gain from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 37.2%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's import sources for unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves in volume terms were quite diverse. France accounted for 21.6% of imports, Portugal for 16.6%, and Chile for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented 47.8% of total import flows, indicating a broad partner portfolio.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Spain's import value of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves declined in 2020. Imports were recorded at 107.6 million US dollars, marking a 2.2% decrease from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The highest value was in 2019 at 110.0 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 24.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, France, and Portugal were the largest suppliers of unfit-for-human-consumption meat or fish flours and greaves to Spain in value terms, though none dominated the market. Chile accounted for 13.6% of import value, France for 12.2%, and Portugal for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 35.9% of total import value, with many smaller partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020