Casablanca – Moroccan tomato exports to the European Union have experienced a sudden and significant decline since October 2025, raising concerns among producers, exporters, and European importers. The drop, described by some European stakeholders as an “unjustified deviation” from normal trade levels, contrasts sharply with Morocco’s record-breaking performance in the 2024–2025 season.
According to official reports and data from agricultural market platforms such as FreshPlaza and EastFruit, European imports of Moroccan tomatoes—including those originating from the southern provinces—fell to 8,497 tons in October 2025, a dramatic decrease from the average of 66,675 tons recorded during the 2020–2024 period, and 71,463 tons in October 2024. The decline continued through the subsequent months, with imports reaching 11,164 tons in November and 12,875 tons in December 2025, marking a notable slowdown compared with the peak-season averages, which usually occur between November and March.
European producers have expressed frustration at the lack of clarity in official data, urging the European Commission to provide timely and transparent information and ensure consistent monitoring of import flows. The sudden downturn in imports has generated debate over whether it reflects temporary climatic factors, changes in European supply chains, or delays in reporting statistical data.
The decline is particularly striking given Morocco’s record-setting tomato season just prior to this drop. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Morocco exported 745,000 tons of tomatoes, valued at approximately $1.2 billion, representing an 8.3% increase over the previous 2023–2024 season and surpassing the 2022–2023 record by around 4%. Tomatoes remain Morocco’s leading agricultural export, accounting for over 30% of total foreign currency revenues from fruits and vegetables.
Morocco holds a third-place position globally among tomato exporters, trailing only Mexico and the Netherlands. This ranking reflects significant investments in agricultural infrastructure, the adoption of modern cultivation techniques, and efficient production centers, particularly in the Souss-Massa region, which serves as the national hub for tomato farming. Peak monthly shipments were recorded in November 2024, when Morocco exported 105,000 tons in a single month, the highest volume in its export history.
France continues to be the largest European market for Moroccan tomatoes, absorbing nearly 50% of total exports during the 2024–2025 season. The United Kingdom remained the second-largest importer, purchasing over 15% of the total volume. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Spain, major tomato exporters themselves, increased imports from Morocco to support and extend their own re-export operations. Germany and Portugal also recorded strong growth in imports, while Morocco steadily expanded its presence in West African markets, including Mauritania and Senegal.
Secondary markets have emerged as a major driver of export growth. Compared with the previous season, exports to these markets rose 40%, and by 62% relative to the record 2022–2023 season, contributing roughly 15,000 tons to overall growth—approximately half of the total increase for the season. Among promising emerging markets, Belgium has seen Moroccan exports nearly quadruple over the past two seasons. Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Norway also reported record import levels for three consecutive years, while Sweden, Ireland, and Finland, previously absent from Morocco’s export map, are now showing strong growth.
Despite ongoing challenges—including prolonged droughts, labor shortages, and rising production costs—the sector has maintained its competitiveness, demonstrating the resilience of Moroccan farmers and exporters. Tomatoes are not just a routine agricultural commodity for Morocco; they are a strategic pillar of the country’s agricultural exports and a key element of its trade presence in both European and African markets.
Looking ahead, analysts are closely monitoring whether the October 2025 downturn represents a temporary adjustment or signals deeper structural shifts in European supply chains. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Morocco can sustain its record export levels and continue to expand its market reach in Europe and beyond.
