Morocco's Greenhouse Tomato Exports Surge, Surpassing Expectations in 2024

Morocco's greenhouse tomato export industry has exhibited remarkable resilience, rebounding from initial setbacks and surpassing projections in the first quarter of 2024. Despite enduring a severe drought and record-breaking summer temperatures that impacted the vital Souss-Massa agricultural hub, the country's exporters have defied the odds, positioning themselves for a robust conclusion to the 2023/24 export season.

As reported by the agriculture-focused website EastFruit, Morocco exported an impressive 266,000 tons of greenhouse tomatoes from January to March, marking a 10% year-over-year increase and outperforming the five-year average by a significant 9%. This strong performance has instilled confidence in Moroccan exporters, allowing them to recover from the initial challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.

The Souss-Massa region, a crucial agricultural center, experienced a staggering high of 50.4 degrees Celsius in August 2023, compounded by the spread of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) within greenhouses. These formidable obstacles resulted in substantial crop losses, leading to a significant decline in tomato exports during the latter part of the year. Consequently, the annual export volume for 2023 fell short of projected expectations.

As 2024 began, Morocco's greenhouse tomato exports witnessed a remarkable turnaround. By the end of 2023, the country had exported nearly 660,000 tons of greenhouse tomatoes, with the European Union serving as the primary market. France emerged as the largest importer, accounting for half of these exports, while the United Kingdom received approximately 18%.

The Netherlands and Spain closely followed, importing 9% and 6%, respectively. Notably, Mauritania emerged as a significant customer, representing 4% of the total exports. However, the dynamic export landscape experienced a shift due to Mauritania's decision to increase import duties on Moroccan fruits and vegetables, resulting in border delays, reduced trade, and concerns over potential food shortages in the Sahel region.

Despite these challenges, Morocco's greenhouse tomato export industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, surging in the first quarter of 2024 and surpassing expectations. This remarkable achievement underscores the industry's commitment to excellence and its ability to overcome adversity, positioning Morocco as a formidable player in the global tomato export market.