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 importÂing a record amount of olive oil this year, with more comÂing from Spain than Italy for the first time. Spanish exports to the U.S. were up 43 perÂcent over the preÂviÂous year, driÂven by a strong harÂvest seaÂson, comÂpetÂiÂtive pricÂing, and aggresÂsive proÂmoÂtional efforts.
The United States is on pace to import a record-setÂting amount of olive oil this year, accordÂing to figÂures 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, accordÂing to the IOC, Spanish exports to the States were up 43 perÂcent over last year. A strong harÂvest seaÂson, comÂpetÂiÂtive pricÂing and aggresÂsive proÂmoÂtional efforts are among other facÂtors that led to the domÂiÂnant results for the world’s largest olive oil proÂducer.
The U.S. conÂsumes more than 10 perÂcent of the global olive oil supÂply with per capita conÂsumpÂtion mainÂtainÂing at around one liter per year.
Another huge marÂket where Spain is the domÂiÂnant supÂplier is China, which imported 11 perÂcent more olive oil than durÂing the same period year before. More than three-fourths of Chinese olive oil imports were virÂgin grade.
After a period of falling imports, Australia brought in 11 perÂcent more olive oil from abroad than the year before but Brazil, which has been seen as a fast-growÂing New World marÂket, posted a decline of 4 perÂcent for the 11-month period.
More articles on: import/export, International Olive Council (IOC), olive oil consumption
Oct. 24, 2025
Tunisia Eyes Record Olive Oil Production
Tunisia expects a record 500,000-ton olive oil harvest, a 50 percent increase from last year, strengthening its economy and global standing among top producers.
May. 27, 2025
Trump Delays Tariff Deadline on EU Imports
Trump delayed a proposed 50 percent tariff on EU imports to July 9th, citing trade barriers and taxes. The U.S. is Europe' top olive oil importer.
Nov. 26, 2025
Global Olive Oil Production Hits Record 3.5 Million Tons
A new report forecasts global olive oil production at a record 3.507 million tons for 2024/25, driven by strong recovery in Spain and rising output in non-EU countries.
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.
Apr. 21, 2025
Trump's Tariffs Threaten Greek Olive Oil, Table Olives
Tariffs on imported food from the E.U. jeopardize the Greek staples' positions in the American market, but negotiations are ongoing.
May. 6, 2025
India's Olive Oil Market Shows Growth Potential Despite Challenges
India's olive oil market is growing, with sales projected to reach €198 million by 2028. Companies face challenges such as high tariffs and misinformation, but are seeing success in cities and smaller markets.
Sep. 29, 2025
Food Inflation in Europe Squeezes Budgets, Shifts Consumer Habits
Food inflation is driving changes in diets and retail markets as prices for staples like olive oil skyrocket, impacting vulnerable households.
Oct. 20, 2025
Turkey's Table Olive Exports Reach Record High
In the 2024/25 crop year, Turkey's table olive exports reached a record high of $255 million, with green olive exports showing the largest increase.