Despite the increase in tomato exports, Morocco loses its lead in the Spanish tomato market
Morocco’s tomato exports to Spain saw a significant rise in 2024, with a notable 15 percent increase compared to 2023, reaching approximately 66.6 million kilograms, according to a report by the “Hortoinfo” platform based on data from the Spanish foreign trade agency. Despite this positive performance, Morocco was unable to regain its position as the top supplier to the Spanish market, which Portugal has held for the second consecutive year.
Portugal exported around 96 million kilograms of tomatoes to Spain in 2024, although its export volume declined by 27.5 percent compared to the previous year’s total of 132.3 million kilograms, reflecting its continued dominance in market share despite the reduced quantities.
Morocco’s export value to its Iberian neighbor amounted to approximately 919 million dirhams, with an average price of 13.80 dirhams per kilogram, in contrast to the 9.46 dirhams per kilogram for Portuguese tomatoes. This price difference may indicate variations in quality or product types, highlighting a unique positioning in value, but failing to translate into quantitative market dominance.
This situation places Moroccan players in the face of increasing commercial challenges, necessitating improved export conditions and enhanced competitiveness of Moroccan products, alongside a reevaluation of policies directed towards this vital market. Professionals are also counting on strengthening partnerships with Spanish players and developing promotional tools that showcase the quality of Moroccan agriculture while meeting the demands of the European market.
Stakeholders hope these indicators will serve as a catalyst for coordinating efforts among various participants, aiming to regain leadership and solidify Morocco’s presence as a key and reliable source of high-quality agricultural products to Europe.
