Morocco extends produce export freeze to Africa despite domestic price drops

MOROCCO – Morocco is maintaining its freeze on tomato exports to African markets despite falling domestic prices and the end of Eid al-Adha, with exporters warning the move severely damages regional market share while international competitors fill the void.

Association president Mohamed Zemrani told Hespress that the current collapse of exports to African markets is the sharpest exporters have faced in years, hitting tomatoes, watermelon, courgettes, peppers, and onions alike. The exporters’ representative adds that they “firmly reject accusations of greed” behind their calls to resume exports.

He said competitors have benefited from the freeze, gaining ground in African markets, while destination countries are boosting local production to become self-sufficient as Morocco retreats. This unprecedented trade collapse threatens long-term market presence for Moroccan produce across the continent.

On the other hand, Agricultural consultant Riadh Ouhtita told the same source that lifting export restrictions would lead to a rise in domestic prices. Ouhtita added that the absence of binding contracts governing volumes or delivery schedules to African markets, in contrast with European markets, allows Morocco to suspend its exports without breaching any agreements.

This contractual flexibility with African partners contrasts sharply with arrangements in the European market, where formal agreements provide greater stability and predictability for both exporters and importers. The absence of formal contracts with African nations allows abrupt halts without legal repercussions.

Furthermore, destination countries are now investing in their own agricultural self-sufficiency to avoid future reliance on Moroccan goods. The freeze effectively undermines years of market development efforts, potentially eroding Morocco’s competitive position in African produce markets.

The policy remains in place despite falling domestic prices, indicating a government priority on domestic price stability over exporter profits. While this strategy lowers prices for local consumers, industry leaders warn that sustained export restrictions could permanently damage Morocco’s reputation as a reliable supplier in African markets.

The government appears willing to accept short-term losses for exporters in exchange for food affordability objectives. However, the long-term consequences of losing market share to competitors and of encouraging African self-sufficiency may ultimately outweigh the domestic benefits.

Lastly, without clear timelines for resuming exports, Moroccan producers face uncertainty over when they can regain access to previously established African markets.

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