Casablanca – Morocco’s agricultural sector has achieved a new milestone in the 2024/2025 season, setting a record for tomato exports despite persistent challenges ranging from prolonged drought to labor shortages. Recent data from the Moroccan Exchange Office, supported by trade monitoring platforms such as Global Trade Tracker and EastFruit, show that the country shipped 745,000 tons of tomatoes between July 2024 and June 2025, generating close to $1.2 billion in foreign currency earnings.

This performance marks an 8.3% increase compared with the previous season and surpasses the earlier record set in 2022/2023 by almost 4%. The achievement reinforces Morocco’s role as a key supplier of fresh produce to international markets and highlights the sector’s resilience in the face of environmental and logistical constraints.

Tomatoes as a cornerstone of agricultural exports

Tomatoes remain Morocco’s leading horticultural export, accounting for more than 30% of the fruit and vegetable sector’s total foreign-currency revenues. The product’s consistent demand and high-quality standards have helped the country secure a competitive edge, enabling exporters to maintain growth even during periods of water scarcity and fluctuating production costs.

According to 2024 international rankings, Morocco now occupies the third position among global tomato exporters, behind only Mexico and the Netherlands. This standing reflects years of investment in modern greenhouse production, advanced irrigation techniques, and logistics networks that allow Moroccan tomatoes to reach markets across Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Seasonal peaks and record-breaking months

While shipments are distributed throughout the year, exports reach their highest volumes between November and March, when European demand for fresh produce is strongest. November 2024 was particularly noteworthy, with Morocco exporting 105,000 tons in a single month—the highest monthly figure in the country’s history.

Such performance is remarkable given the ongoing impact of a seventh consecutive year of drought and limited rainfall. Farmers and exporters have adapted by improving water-use efficiency and expanding greenhouse cultivation, which allows for more controlled production despite adverse weather conditions.

Key markets drive growth

Europe remains the primary destination for Moroccan tomatoes, led by France, which absorbed nearly half of total exports during the 2024/2025 season. The United Kingdom retained its position as the second-largest buyer, accounting for more than 15% of shipments.

Interestingly, some of Europe’s own tomato-exporting nations—such as the Netherlands and Spain—have increased their purchases from Morocco. By sourcing Moroccan produce, these countries are able to extend their own export seasons and meet off-peak demand. Germany and Portugal also recorded significant growth in imports, reflecting the product’s strong reputation in the European market.

Beyond Europe, Morocco is steadily expanding its presence in West African markets. Shipments to countries such as Mauritania and Senegal continue to climb, helping to diversify the country’s customer base and reduce reliance on a handful of traditional European destinations.

Emerging destinations fuel momentum

Secondary and emerging markets have become a key driver of Morocco’s export growth. Compared to the previous season, exports to these markets rose by 40%, and by 62% compared with the record 2022/2023 campaign. These destinations contributed around 15,000 tons of the total increase, representing half of the season’s growth and helping Morocco exceed its previous all-time record by 28,000 tons.

Among these promising markets, Belgium stands out, with imports from Morocco nearly quadrupling over the past two seasons. The Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway, have recorded three consecutive years of record imports, while Sweden, Ireland, and Finland, almost absent from Morocco’s export map three years ago, are now showing strong and consistent growth.

Resilience amid challenges

The sustained expansion of Morocco’s tomato exports underscores the adaptability of the country’s agricultural sector. Despite recurring droughts, water shortages, and labor constraints, Moroccan growers have managed to maintain high production levels and meet rising international demand. Investments in advanced irrigation systems, greenhouse technology, and cold-chain logistics have allowed exporters to preserve quality and freshness across long-distance shipments.

Moreover, the government’s ongoing efforts to support agricultural modernization—through programs encouraging efficient water use and the adoption of innovative farming techniques—have played a role in maintaining the sector’s competitiveness.

Outlook

Looking ahead, Morocco’s tomato sector faces both opportunities and challenges. Climate variability and water scarcity will continue to test production capacities, but the country’s ability to expand into new markets and improve agricultural technology suggests that growth is likely to continue.

With a record-breaking season behind it and increasing demand from Europe, Africa, and emerging destinations, Morocco is poised to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading tomato exporters, turning environmental constraints into opportunities for innovation and sustained competitiveness.