Moroccan produce success sparks discontent among Spanish farmers

Monday 21 July 2025 - 07:41

As Moroccan fruit and vegetable exports surge in the Spanish market, discontent is rising among Spanish farmers who feel increasingly threatened by what they describe as unfair competition. In the greenhouses of Andalusia, a sense of frustration grows as shipments from Morocco climb steadily.

In just the first quarter of 2025, Spain imported nearly 192,000 tons of Moroccan produce—a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. The value of these imports reached over €487 million, widening the economic gap between North Africa and southern Europe.

Tomatoes are at the heart of this trade boom, with exports soaring 34% to over 32,000 tons, and their market value rising 57%. Other key products include peppers (32,000 tons), green beans (19,600 tons), and especially avocados, which have tripled in volume compared to 2023, reaching 29,000 tons.

Blueberries are also gaining ground, with over 16,500 tons imported, steadily replacing domestic production and reflecting a structural shift in market preferences.

According to FEPEX, the Spanish federation of fruit and vegetable producers and exporters, the core issue is unequal regulation. They argue that European farmers are burdened by strict environmental and labor standards, while Moroccan producers operate under more lenient conditions. This imbalance, they claim, leads to a kind of "social and environmental dumping."

The organization is calling for a revision of the EU-Morocco association agreement, with the inclusion of “mirror clauses”—mechanisms designed to ensure imported products meet EU standards.

Beyond the immediate trade dispute, this situation highlights deeper challenges within European agriculture: shrinking profit margins, volatile prices, and growing regulatory pressure. Spanish farmers warn that without better control of imports, the sustainability of the sector is at risk.

Meanwhile, some voices in Morocco criticize the export-focused approach, arguing that the local market suffers from price increases and shortages, making quality products less accessible to domestic consumers.