Morocco limits sardine exports for a year to address domestic shortages

MOROCCO – The Moroccan State Secretariat responsible for Fisheries has announced that sardine exports will be temporarily restricted for one year starting February 1, covering fresh, frozen, and chilled sardines, with the goal of prioritizing the domestic market.

Authorities said the measure will not affect other fish species and is intended to manage local availability while maintaining sustainable fishing levels for small pelagic species that are crucial to food security.

The decision followed discussions with industry stakeholders, including meetings with fishery representatives and encouragement of collaborations between canning companies and freezing plants to ensure consistent benefits across the sector.

Moroccans have reacted to the move amid growing concerns over the rising price of sardines, a staple often referred to as “the fish of the poor,” which is increasingly unaffordable for many households.

Local markets have seen sardine prices surge to between MAD 25 and 30 per kilogram (US$2.65–3.18), with even higher rates reported in some urban areas, prompting calls for government intervention to prevent further strain on consumers.

Despite the restriction, Morocco continues to rank among the world’s top sardine producers and exporters, supplying large volumes to European countries, Russia, and West Africa, while frozen sardine exports have generated significant foreign revenue.

Officials said the export limit is not expected to disrupt the operations of fishermen, processors, or intermediaries, and it should allow small pelagic fisheries to maintain production while easing pressure on local prices.

Data indicates that southern ports, particularly those between Agadir and Dakhla, provide over 30% of the national fish supply, making them key points for stabilizing local markets, especially as climate-related changes have reduced fish availability in recent years.

Morocco has roughly 100 small pelagic fish freezing units nationwide, including 23 in Laayoune, and total exports of frozen small pelagic fish reached MAD 3.12 billion (US$332 million) in 2025, with sardines accounting for only 23% of that figure.

The Secretariat stated that the domestic market and industry can absorb the portion of sardines previously exported, a move expected to ease price pressures and prevent social unrest.

Other small pelagic species, such as mackerel and horse mackerel, are allowed to continue being processed and exported without restrictions, reflecting a shift in export composition from 70% sardines in 2020 to 23% in 2025, with other species rising from 30% to 77%.

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