Transportation strikes in Spain lead to decrease in olive oil exports

The ongoing road haulers’ strike in Spain continues to cause alarm as the distribution of goods in the country is disrupted. Along with internal distribution, some officials are concerned that olive oil exports are being severely impacted too. “There has practically been a total cessation because we have suffered protests outside of the industries and factories, as well as in the entrance of the ports,” said Rafael Pico Lapuente, the executive director of the Spanish Association of Olive Oil Exporting, Industry and Commerce (Asoliva). “If there hasn’t been a complete reduction in exports, then at the very least there has been an 80 percent reduction,” he added. Lapuente warned that the considerable export reduction would have severe consequences on the sector since Spain exports three-fourths of the olive oil that it produces. “If you can’t export and 75 percent of the wealth comes from the exports, then we are heading down a bad path,” he said. The strike, which has caused the ...