Record-breaking banana imports in Morocco

Sunday 06 April 2025 - 11:00

By: Zahouani Ilham

Record-breaking banana imports in Morocco

In 2024, Morocco reached a record-high volume of banana imports, exceeding 36,000 tons, marking an increase of nearly 29% compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to a decline in local banana production, leading Morocco to increase its purchases from Spain and Portugal, which have gradually replaced traditional Latin American suppliers.

The rise in banana imports to Morocco is evident, with 36,000 tons imported in 2024, reflecting a 28.8% increase from the previous year and doubling the amount imported in 2022. According to East Fruit, this growth is driven by a reduction in domestic production and a shift in sourcing, with a growing share of bananas coming from Spain and Portugal.

The Evolving Banana Market in Morocco

In 2023, Morocco’s domestic banana production fell to 309,000 tons, a 7.5% decrease compared to 2022. This decline is mainly due to reduced cultivated areas. Despite being a producer, Morocco relies on imports, particularly during the July to October period when local supply is insufficient.

Historically, Morocco imported bananas primarily from Ecuador and Costa Rica. However, in recent years, exports from these countries have dwindled, largely due to climatic crises and geopolitical tensions. As a result, Moroccan importers have shifted towards Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal, which grow varieties similar to local bananas. In 2023, Spain's banana imports reached 5,200 tons, while Portugal's amounted to 1,600 tons—unprecedented volumes.

At the same time, Morocco’s banana exports remain marginal and are on the decline. In 2024, only 250 tons were exported, compared to 280 tons in 2023 and 460 tons in 2022.

The restructuring of Morocco's banana market highlights a broader global trend of shifting trade flows. Moroccan importers are adapting to the decline in Latin American exports and the rise in European production, potentially reshaping the origin of bananas consumed in Morocco.

Globally, banana production in 2024 reached approximately 138 million tons, representing a slight decrease of 1.9% from the previous year. This reduction follows seven consecutive years of growth, with an average annual increase of 1.8%. India remains the leading producer, contributing 26% of the global supply with 36 million tons, followed by China with 12 million tons and Indonesia with 9.3 million tons.

Worldwide, the area dedicated to banana cultivation in 2024 was approximately 5.9 million hectares, with an average yield of 23 tons per hectare.