The surge in Tunisian olive oil imports into Spain under the active refining regime has sparked controversy in Spain. Spanish politicians and agricultural organizations are urging the Madrid government to intervene with the European Union to limit or suspend this customs mechanism, which they claim is affecting the local market. The debate centers on the increasing use of active refining, which allows European companies to import goods, including olive oil for processing, without immediately paying customs duties.
The active refining regime permits companies to import certain goods, including olive oil from Tunisia, for processing and re-export outside the European Union. According to data cited by the Spanish press, 76.3% of Tunisian olive oil imported into Spain between January and April 2026 was under this regime, up from 61.6% for the entire year of 2025. This increase has raised concerns, particularly among Andalusian olive oil producers, who argue that it contributes to a larger supply and puts pressure on prices paid to Spanish producers.
The Spanish government, however, does not entirely share this view. On September 14, Agriculture Minister Luis Planas called for "tranquility," stating that Tunisian imports do not directly determine prices in the Spanish market. According to his ministry, 83,187 tonnes of Tunisian olive oil were imported into Spain from the start of the olive oil campaign until June, accounting for 5.2% of the approximately 1.6 million tonnes available on the Spanish market.
Despite the government's reassurances, concerns persist. On September 20, Toni Valero, coordinator of Izquierda Unida in Andalusia, requested that the Spanish government defend a total or partial suspension of the active refining regime when it causes "market distortion." The request targets the customs framework allowing Tunisian olive oil into the EU for processing and re-export, rather than the oil itself.
Any modification or suspension of the active refining regime would require a European-level decision. For now, this is a Spanish political and agricultural pressure, not a European decision targeting Tunisian imports. The stakes are significant for Tunisia, as Spain is one of the main European markets for its olive oil, and the active refining regime allows European operators to import Tunisian olive oil for processing.
Spanish agricultural organizations and regional officials argue that the increase in imports under the active refining regime contributes to a larger supply, putting pressure on prices paid to Spanish producers. They claim that this affects the livelihoods of Spanish farmers and the local economy. The Spanish government's response will be crucial in determining the future of Tunisian olive oil imports under the active refining regime.
The issue highlights the complexities of international trade and the impact of customs mechanisms on local markets. As the EU and Spain navigate these challenges, Tunisia's olive oil exports will be closely watched. The country's olive oil production is a significant contributor to its economy, and any disruption to its exports could have far-reaching consequences.
Key points
- Spanish officials and farmers raise concerns over impact of Tunisian olive oil imports under active refining regime on local market.
- The Spanish government does not entirely share the concerns, citing limited impact on prices.
- A European-level decision would be required to modify or suspend the active refining regime.
