Casablanca – Morocco’s pistachio imports reached a record high in 2025, reflecting the strong growth in domestic demand for this popular nut. Recent trade data show that the country imported more than 4,000 tons of pistachios during the year, confirming a continuing rise in consumption and underscoring the Moroccan market’s increasing dependence on international suppliers.

According to figures compiled by agricultural market analysts at EastFruit based on international trade statistics, Morocco imported approximately 4,050 tons of pistachios in 2025, with a total value estimated at $33.9 million. This represents an increase of 27.5 percent compared with 2024, marking the highest volume ever recorded for the Moroccan market.

The latest figures illustrate a remarkable expansion in pistachio consumption over the past several years. Since 2019, the volume of pistachios imported by Morocco has increased more than elevenfold, demonstrating how quickly demand for this product has grown within the country. Over that period, the average annual growth rate has approached 50 percent, a pace that places Morocco among the fastest-growing pistachio markets in the region.

The growth reflects broader changes in consumer habits and food consumption patterns. Pistachios and other dried fruits have gained popularity in Moroccan households, where they are widely consumed as snacks and used in a variety of culinary preparations, including desserts and traditional pastries. Demand has also been supported by the expansion of modern retail channels, supermarkets, and specialty food stores that offer a wider variety of imported products to consumers.

In addition, the food processing industry has contributed to the rising demand for pistachios. The ingredient is increasingly used in confectionery, bakery products, ice cream, and packaged snacks produced locally. As these sectors continue to expand, the need for reliable supplies of pistachios has grown accordingly.

Despite the strong domestic demand, Morocco remains heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for pistachios. The United States dominates the Moroccan market, accounting for around 92 percent of the total volume imported in 2025. American pistachios are widely recognized for their consistent quality and large-scale production, which allows them to supply global markets in significant quantities.

Turkey has emerged as the second-largest supplier to Morocco. Shipments from Turkish exporters increased significantly in recent years, with volumes rising approximately 3.5 times within a single year, reflecting stronger trade links and the growing presence of Turkish agricultural products in North African markets.

Iran, another major global producer of pistachios, also exports to Morocco but with a much smaller share. In 2025, Iranian shipments represented about 2.2 percent of Morocco’s total pistachio imports, indicating a relatively limited role compared with the dominant position of American suppliers.

The concentration of imports from a small number of countries illustrates the extent of Morocco’s dependence on international markets to satisfy domestic demand. As consumption continues to rise, the issue of supply security and the diversification of sourcing options may become increasingly relevant for traders and policymakers.

In response to these challenges, Morocco has begun exploring ways to expand domestic pistachio production. The crop has attracted growing attention from agricultural planners and researchers due to its ability to adapt to harsh environmental conditions.

Pistachio trees are known for their high tolerance to drought and their ability to grow in arid and semi-arid climates, characteristics that make them suitable for several regions of Morocco where water resources are limited. These agronomic advantages have encouraged authorities to consider pistachio cultivation as part of broader efforts to diversify the country’s agricultural sector.

The development of pistachio farming is included among the initiatives promoted under Morocco’s “Green Generation 2020–2030” agricultural strategy. This national program seeks to modernize the agricultural sector, improve rural incomes, and encourage the adoption of crops that are resilient to climate change and water scarcity.

Within this framework, pistachio cultivation is seen as a potential opportunity for farmers in areas where traditional crops may struggle due to increasingly dry conditions. By expanding the cultivation of drought-resistant species such as pistachio trees, Morocco aims to strengthen agricultural sustainability while reducing its reliance on imported products.

However, building a domestic pistachio industry requires time and long-term investment. Pistachio trees typically take several years before they begin producing commercially viable harvests. As a result, imports are expected to remain the primary source of supply for the Moroccan market in the near future.

For the moment, the strong growth in imports reflects the country’s expanding consumer market and the increasing integration of Morocco into global agricultural trade networks. If current trends continue, pistachios are likely to remain one of the fastest-growing segments within Morocco’s imported food products, illustrating both the dynamism of domestic demand and the strategic importance of developing new agricultural opportunities adapted to the country’s evolving climate and economic realities.