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.
More articles on: import/export, International Olive Council (IOC), olive oil consumption
Aug. 11, 2025
Greece Pushes to Shield Two Iconic Agrifood Exports from 15% Tariff
Greece is seeking to shield key agrifood exports, including olive oil, table olives, feta and yogurt, from the new 15-percent U.S. import tariff, warning the levy could burden one of its most valuable trade relationships.
Apr. 29, 2025
Harvest Challenges, Tariffs Don’t Deter Award-Winning Olio Piro
Tuscan olive oil producer Olio Piro, led by siblings Romain and Marie-Charlotte Piro, is expanding globally after winning its sixth Gold Award in New York.
Mar. 30, 2026
Trade Agreements Extend Europe’s Food Quality Rules Beyond Its Borders
By embedding geographical indications into major trade agreements, the European Union is extending a regulatory model that ties food quality to origin, production methods and traceability.
Jul. 8, 2025
Europe Endorses Olive Oil Standard Changes Despite Industry Divide
The new standards established by the European Union and the International Olive Council have raised concerns among several European producers.
Jan. 5, 2026
EU Delays Mercosur Trade Deal After Italy and France Withhold Support
The European Union has postponed signing its Mercosur free trade agreement after Italy and France declined to back the deal, citing concerns from domestic farmers.
Feb. 19, 2026
Italy’s Olive Oil Market Heads Into 2026 with Thinner Margins and Renewed Volatility
After two years of record-high prices, Italy’s olive oil market is entering 2026 with renewed volatility, elevated costs and tighter margins for growers, while recovering Mediterranean output and import flows reshape price dynamics.
Jan. 14, 2026
Olive Oil Benefits as U.S. Food Brands Rethink Seed Oils
U.S. food companies are reformulating products to remove seed oils, with olive oil emerging as a favored alternative amid shifting consumer preferences.
Mar. 25, 2026
EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Set for Provisional Launch Despite Mounting Opposition
The European Commission is moving ahead with the provisional launch of the trade pillar of the EU-Mercosur agreement, even as political opposition and farm-sector resistance intensify across Europe.