Import and Export of Olive - Import and Export of Olive Guide

Vigo Visa
Jan 30
2 min read

Import and Export of Olive - Import and Export of Olive Guide

Olives are among the oldest and most widely traded agricultural products worldwide due to their high nutritional value and extensive use in direct consumption and food processing industries. The olive trade mainly includes two categories: table olives and olives for processing. Many non-producing countries rely on imports to meet domestic demand, while producing countries focus on exports and building strong global supply chains. Import and Export of Olive - Import and Export of Olive Guide

Global Olive Trade Volume (Estimated)

Year	Global Import Volume (Million Tons)	Global Export Volume (Million Tons)
2020	2.6	2.4
2021	2.8	2.6
2022	3.0	2.8
2023	3.2	3.0
2024	3.5	3.3

Top Olive Exporting Countries

Country	Share of Global Exports
Spain	28%
Turkey	22%
Morocco	14%
Greece	12%
Tunisia	10%
Others	14%

Top Olive Importing Countries

Country	Share of Global Imports
United States	24%
Italy	16%
France	12%
Germany	10%
Russia	8%
Others	30%

Average International Prices of Olives

Olive Type	Average Price per Ton (USD)
Green table olives	1,100 – 1,400
Black table olives	1,200 – 1,600
Olives for oil extraction	700 – 950
Organic olives	1,800 – 2,400

Import and Export Requirements

The olive trade is subject to agricultural and health regulations, including certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, laboratory testing for pesticide residues, and proper packaging requirements suited to the nature of the product. Refrigerated transportation and proper storage are essential to maintain olive quality and minimize losses during shipping.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Olive Trade

Key challenges include annual production fluctuations due to climate conditions, the spread of agricultural pests, and volatility in global prices. On the other hand, increasing demand for natural and Mediterranean food products creates strong growth opportunities, particularly in markets experiencing rising consumption of healthy and organic foods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Trade

Many investors ask whether olive trading is profitable, and indicators show that profitability depends on olive type, quality, and efficient storage and logistics management. Another common question concerns the most demanded olive types, with table olives holding a larger global market share compared to olives destined for oil production. Investors also inquire about the best timing for trade, with post-harvest periods being the most active due to product availability and quality stability.

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