Morocco's surging pepper exports carve a growing share in EU market

Monday 03 March 2025 - 10:12

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's surging pepper exports carve a growing share in EU market

Morocco is solidifying its position in the European Union's pepper market, with its exports steadily increasing over the past 15 years. Amid declining exports from traditional leaders like Spain and the Netherlands, Morocco's rise signals a shift in the competitive landscape.

A recent report from Hortoinfo, based on Euroestacom (ICEX-Eurostat) data, highlights these changes. In 2024, Spain accounted for 37.75% of all peppers sold in the EU, maintaining its lead, while the Netherlands held a 20.64% market share. However, Morocco ranked third, supplying 13.26% of the market, ahead of Turkiye’s 7.49%.

Spain’s pepper exports to the EU have fallen by 26.4% since 2019, while the Netherlands recorded a 20.65% decline. In contrast, Morocco has surged ahead, increasing its shipments by 65.6% during the same period. Turkiye also posted significant growth, with a 46.93% rise in exports.

Despite their lead in volume sales, Spain and the Netherlands are grappling with shrinking export volumes. Spain exported 535.58 million kilograms of peppers in 2024, a decrease of 192.13 million kilograms compared to 2019. The Netherlands followed with 292.84 million kilograms, marking a drop of 76.23 million kilograms over the same timeframe. Meanwhile, Morocco climbed the ranks, exporting 188.13 million kilograms in 2024 — a remarkable increase of 74.52 million kilograms since 2019. Turkiye also saw growth, with shipments rising by 33.94 million kilograms to reach a total of 106.25 million kilograms.

Morocco's growing presence in the EU market has translated into significant financial gains. In 2024, Morocco's pepper exports generated €235.41 million, more than double the €113.4 million recorded in 2019. The average price of Moroccan peppers also increased, rising from €1 per kilogram in 2019 to €1.25 per kilogram in 2024.

Spain, however, continues to lead in revenue, earning €1.16 billion in 2024, an increase of €52.12 million compared to 2019. The higher prices of Spanish peppers, which sold for €2.16 per kilogram in 2024 compared to €1.52 five years earlier, have helped offset declining volumes.

As Spain and the Netherlands face decreasing export volumes, Morocco’s consistent growth and rising revenues underscore its potential as an increasingly competitive player in the European pepper market. This upward trajectory suggests that Morocco is poised to further strengthen its foothold in the years to come.