Moroccan Pepper Exports Reach 190,000 Tons and Generate $240 Million
Morocco has achieved a historic peak in sweet pepper exports for the fifth consecutive season, showing significant expansion in European and emerging markets, thus affirming its agricultural leadership.
The country continues to solidify its position as a key player in global agricultural markets, recording a new record in sweet pepper exports during the 2024/2025 marketing season. According to a report from the agricultural market website “EastFruit,” shipments directed to foreign markets amounted to 189,200 tons, yielding unprecedented financial returns of $240 million.
This volume exceeds the previous season’s record for 2023/2024 by 3.7% and confirms a continuous and steady growth trajectory that has extended over the past five years, with an annual export growth rate of approximately 13%. This outstanding performance reflects the dynamism of Morocco’s agricultural sector and its high competitiveness.
Sweet pepper ranks second among Morocco’s most exported vegetable products, following tomatoes. The export process occurs throughout the year, with early varieties starting in October and peaking between December and April, which is when demand from European markets rises significantly.
The current season recorded the highest shipment levels in January (25,000 tons) and March (23,000 tons). Conversely, quantities sharply decline from June due to the high temperatures affecting quality, making September the weakest month for exports.
The majority of Moroccan sweet pepper exports head to European markets, with Spain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands accounting for 82% of the total quantities exported this season.
However, ongoing expansion in the geographical landscape is notable:
– West Africa: Countries such as Mauritania and Senegal received around 7% of the shipments.
– United Kingdom: Emerged as a rising market, with its imports of Moroccan sweet pepper increasing nearly 15-fold over the past five years.
The share of secondary destinations also rose to 5% of total shipments. The number of countries importing over 100 tons of Moroccan sweet pepper increased to 19, up from 15 the previous year, affirming Morocco’s capacity to penetrate new markets and expand its commercial presence despite fierce competition.
Data from “EastFruit” indicates that this achievement coincided with Morocco reaching a new record in tomato exports during the same season, despite challenges associated with climate and rising production costs. This dual performance enhances Morocco’s position as a pivotal player in supplying European markets with fresh vegetables and effectively supports the development of the agricultural sector under the national strategy “Green Generation.”
