Moroccan watermelon exports generate $190 million, with France capturing half of the quantities
Moroccan watermelon, known as “dallah,” has made a comeback in international markets after a sharp decline in 2024 due to water scarcity and climate pressures that directly affected production and export.
Data from the specialized platform “East Fruit,” which tracks global agricultural markets, revealed that this gradual recovery reflects the resilience of Moroccan export agriculture in regaining part of its balance, though the recorded figures remain below the record levels achieved in previous years.
During the first eleven months of 2025, Morocco’s red watermelon exports reached approximately 175,000 tons, with a total value nearing $190 million, marking a 54% increase compared to 2024.
The platform indicated that this development is indicative of renewed external demand while also highlighting the ability of Moroccan producers and exporters to adapt to water resource management challenges.
France continues to lead as the top importer of Moroccan watermelon, capturing about half of the total exports, which underscores the robust agricultural trade relations between the two countries. Spain follows with over 23%, and the United Kingdom accounts for 8.5%, showing a diversification in European markets for Moroccan products.
Shipments to the United Kingdom and Portugal in 2025 recorded levels close to the record figures achieved in 2022, reflecting a gradual return of confidence in Moroccan watermelon within several key markets.
Other countries have also emerged on the list of importers, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Mauritania, and Germany, while exports to additional markets remained limited, collectively representing less than 1% of the total quantities exported.
“East Fruit” noted that Morocco had achieved a record in watermelon exports in 2022, with around 297,000 tons sent abroad. However, this upward trend faced severe climatic challenges, primarily consecutive years of drought and worsening water scarcity.
This situation led to strict restrictions on watermelon cultivation, even banning it altogether in some areas suffering from acute water stress, resulting in an unprecedented drop in exports during 2024, marking the weakest performance in eight years and removing Morocco from the list of the top ten watermelon exporters globally.
By 2025, signs of recovery began to emerge within the sector, allowing for a cautious return to export growth, despite ongoing challenges related to water resources.
Although the exported quantities remain below previous record levels, the watermelon’s return to the top five among Morocco’s fruit and berry exports is a positive indicator of its restorative position in the export market.
This recovery is not limited to watermelon alone, as Morocco has also managed to regain exports of other agricultural products such as potatoes and mandarins, enhancing the prospects of national agricultural trade and demonstrating the sector’s ability to adapt to climatic and economic changes.
The platform confirmed that future endeavors will be closely tied to achieving a delicate balance between export demands and ensuring water security amidst rising global pressures on natural resources.
