Morocco’s tomato surge sets record in EU market

MOROCCO – Morocco has recorded its highest ever tomato export figures to the European Union, shipping nearly 580,000 tonnes in 2024 and overtaking Spain for the first time.

The increase, based on figures from Spanish agriculture portal Hortoinfo, places Morocco just behind the Netherlands in the EU tomato supplier ranking.

The country exported 579,790 tonnes of tomatoes to the EU in 2024, up 17.7 percent from the previous year. Spain, once the second-largest exporter, shipped 531,770 tonnes in the same period.

“This marks a major step forward for Moroccan agriculture,” said a government official familiar with the export program. “Our farmers and exporters have worked hard to meet EU standards and increase supply.”

The growth in volume came with a rise in earnings. Morocco earned about US$999 million from its tomato exports to the EU in 2024, reflecting strong demand and favorable prices.

Between 2015 and 2024, Morocco’s tomato sales to the EU grew at an average rate of 4.9 percent annually. Export earnings have more than doubled over the same period.

Even with this success, the sector faces pressure. Drought has made production more difficult, and competitors in the EU market are pushing back.

Earlier this year, the Coordination of Spanish Farmers’ and Breeders’ Organisations (COAG) accused Moroccan tomato importers of tax fraud in a case brought before the European Court of Auditors. The case did not succeed, but it shows the growing tension.

“It’s just another attempt to slow us down,” said a Moroccan trade source who asked not to be named. “We follow the rules and focus on quality.”

Supporting citrus exports

In another major move, Morocco has launched a new subsidy program for citrus exports to help maintain its role in global markets.

Announced on April 21 and published in the Official Bulletin, the program offers a flat-rate bonus of 1,000 dirhams (about US$107.7) per tonne of citrus shipped to selected markets, including the EU, UK, and some African countries.

Kacem Bennani Smires, president of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation of Citrus Fruits (Maroc Citrus), explained the aim. “The main idea is to try to encourage the export of oranges, which are being undermined by Egypt’s competitiveness. […] This is the first benefit expected from the new system,” he told Médias 24 on April 30.

The program will run for five seasons from 2024 to 2028 and will apply only to licensed packing units. The export ceiling will start at 65,000 tonnes in 2024 and increase gradually to 125,000 tonnes by 2028.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.