Spain, as one of the most dynamic economies in Europe, imports a large quantity of essential liquid products for various industries, from energy to food. These liquids range from fossil fuels to vegetable oils, chemicals, and fertilizers, which are vital to maintaining the country’s growth and development.
Oil and Derivatives: Leading Liquid Imports
Crude oil and its derivatives are undoubtedly the main components of Spain's liquid imports. In 2022, the country imported approximately 68 million tons of crude oil. This volume translates to more than 500 million barrels annually, with Nigeria, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia being the largest suppliers. These volumes are necessary to supply Spanish refineries, which convert crude into essential products like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene.
Additionally, with national consumption still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, refined products such as diesel and gasoline continue to be key for mobility and transportation. According to Statista, in just the first half of 2022, Spain imported more than 29 million tons of crude oil, highlighting the importance of the energy sector in the country's liquid imports.
Liquefied Gases: Growing Natural Gas Demand
Spain is also a major importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with regasification capacity that positions the country as one of the main distributors in Europe. In 2022, LNG imports reached 18.7 million tons, with Qatar, Algeria, and the United States as the main suppliers. These volumes not only cover domestic demand but also allow Spain to export gas to other European countries through its regasification terminals.
Furthermore, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition noted that LNG covered nearly 25% of the country’s total natural gas demand in 2022, reflecting its growing importance in Spain's energy mix, especially in the context of transitioning to cleaner energy.
Vegetable Oils: Strategic Imports for the Food Industry
Although Spain is the largest producer and exporter of olive oil, it also relies on importing vegetable oils such as palm oil and soybean oil. According to a report by Moldtrans, in 2021, Spain imported over 1 million tons of vegetable oils, with 80% of palm oil coming from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. These oils are essential for both the food and non-food industries (biofuels and cosmetics).
Soybean oil, which mainly comes from Brazil and the United States, also plays a significant role in imports, with more than 200,000 tons annually fueling the production of food and industrial products.
Liquid Chemical Products: Foundation of the Chemical Industry
Liquid chemical products, such as solvents, detergents, and glycerin, are crucial for Spain's pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and cleaning industries. In 2022, around 500,000 tons of these products were imported, mainly from France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These liquids are necessary for manufacturing a wide range of consumer and industrial products.
Liquid Fertilizers: Essential Support for Agriculture
Spain's agricultural sector, one of the largest in Europe, also heavily depends on the importation of liquid fertilizers, which are essential for boosting the productivity of crops like wheat, corn, and fruits. According to the FAO report, Spain imported more than 300,000 tons of liquid fertilizers in 2022, primarily from countries like Russia and Morocco. These products are essential for maintaining the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and ensuring large-scale food production.
Flexitanks: Efficient Solution for Liquid Imports
Given the massive volumes of imported liquids, flexitanks have become a key logistical solution. These flexible tanks, designed to fit standard containers, allow the transport of up to 27,000 liters of non-hazardous liquids in a single container. This solution is highly efficient compared to traditional methods such as barrels or rigid containers.
LiquA, a leading company in liquid product transportation, offers a range of flexitanks that optimize container space and reduce transportation costs. With the ability to transport oils, non-hazardous chemical products, or biofuels, flexitanks represent an essential tool for companies seeking to improve the logistical efficiency of their import operations in Spain.
This logistical innovation not only improves costs but also guarantees product safety, protecting it from contamination and preserving its quality during transportation, which is crucial for sensitive liquids like vegetable oils or chemical products.
