U.S. Olive Oil Imports on Record-Setting Pace
The U.S. imported 306,844 tons of olive oil during the first 11 months of the 2015/2016 harvest season and, for the first time, more of it was from Spain than Italy.
The United States is importing a record amount of olive oil this year, with more coming from Spain than Italy for the first time. Spanish exports to the U.S. were up 43 percent over the previous year, driven by a strong harvest season, competitive pricing, and aggressive promotional efforts.
The United States is on pace to import a record-setting amount of olive oil this year, according to figures released today by the International Olive Council (IOC).
For the first 11 months of the 2015/16 crop year, the U.S. imported 306,844 tons of olive oil and, for the first time, more of it was from Spain than Italy.
See Also:Global Olive Oil Production, 1990 – 2015 (IOC)
In fact, according to the IOC, Spanish exports to the States were up 43 percent over last year. A strong harvest season, competitive pricing and aggressive promotional efforts are among other factors that led to the dominant results for the world’s largest olive oil producer.
The U.S. consumes more than 10 percent of the global olive oil supply with per capita consumption maintaining at around one liter per year.
Another huge market where Spain is the dominant supplier is China, which imported 11 percent more olive oil than during the same period year before. More than three-fourths of Chinese olive oil imports were virgin grade.
After a period of falling imports, Australia brought in 11 percent more olive oil from abroad than the year before but Brazil, which has been seen as a fast-growing New World market, posted a decline of 4 percent for the 11-month period.
Related Articles
Feb. 3, 2025
Century-Old California Table Olive Canner Faces Permanent Closure
Extreme weather events and financial challenges mean Graber Olive House might have canned its last batch of its iconic table olives.
Dec. 18, 2025
Spanish Olive Oil Exports Top One Million Tons as Prices Fall
Spanish olive oil exports exceeded one million metric tons for the first time since 2021/22, driven by a strong harvest, even as export values and prices declined.
Jul. 25, 2025
Olive Oil Industry Moves to Oppose Proposed FDA Front-of-Pack Label
Under the new label, olive oil would be listed in the “medium” category for saturated fat along with ultra-processed snack foods. Other ultra-processed foods would fall into the “low” category.
Mar. 17, 2025
As U.S. Firms Back Off Climate Targets, Olive Oil Companies Stay the Course
Olive oil producers and bottlers are continuing efforts to improve their sustainability, even as some of the country’s largest firms distance themselves from climate action.
Dec. 30, 2024
Iraq Announces Plans to Rejoin Olive Council
The Iraqi parliament is expected to ratify the 2015 International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives, a necessary step to rejoining the International Olive Council.
Oct. 29, 2025
Diversification Drives Olitalia’s Global Success as Italy’s Olive Oil Sector Evolves
Olitalia, one of Italy's largest olive oil bottlers and exporters, credits diversification and international partnerships for its success over four decades.
Sep. 9, 2025
EU Commission Approves Updated Terms of Mercosur Trade Deal
The European Commission approved the latest EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, including stronger safeguards and recognition of geographical indications.
Sep. 22, 2025
Quality Tests Lead North American Trade Group to Take Legal Action
After a quality testing initiative turned up two instances of fraud from more than 200 samples, the North American Olive Oil Association said it will take legal action against the producers.