Afghanistan and Morocco have emerged as significant players in the agricultural export market, reporting impressive growth within their respective sectors. On March 2, 2025, Afghanistan's Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced substantial achievements in the export of fresh fruits, illuminating the nation's burgeoning agricultural sector.
According to spokesman Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, "Over the past 11 months, about 296,000 tons of fresh fruits, worth over 143 million dollars, were exported." The primary markets for Afghan fresh fruit include neighboring Pakistan, as well as countries like India, the United Arab Emirates, China, Britain, the Netherlands, the United States, France, Australia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. This broader market access is pivotal for Afghan producers, showcasing their ability to perform even amid challenging economic conditions.
Simultaneously, the country has faced some setbacks. The report indicated a decline in dried fruit exports, which were valued at 350 million dollars over the past ten months, down from 388 million dollars during the same period the previous year. Despite this dip, the overall fresh fruit export statistics reflect growing confidence and market demand.
Meanwhile, Morocco is making significant strides within the European Union's pepper market. A recent report from Hortoinfo based on Euroestacom (ICEX-Eurostat) data highlights Morocco's increasing share, which has been climbing over the past 15 years. Even though Spain remains the leading country for pepper exports within the EU, its dominance is waning. Spain's share of the pepper market has shrunk by 26.4% since 2019, and the country exported 535.58 million kilograms of peppers last year, which is 192.13 million kilograms less than it did five years ago.
Conversely, Morocco’s exports have soared by 65.6% over the same period. Specifically, the North African nation exported 188.13 million kilograms of peppers, which is up by 74.52 million kilograms compared to 2019. Such figures suggest Morocco is not merely increasing volume but is also enhancing its competitiveness against established suppliers.
Morocco's increased market share has also translated to impressive revenue growth. The nation’s pepper exports generated €235.41 million last year, more than doubling the €113.4 million reported five years earlier. The average price per kilogram for Moroccan peppers has risen to €1.25, indicating not only increased demand but also improved recognition of the quality of their produce.
The figures paint a mixed picture, with both opportunities for growth and challenges posed by declining exports from traditional leaders. Spain still leads the EU market by revenue, earning €1.16 billion last year, marking an increase from previous years largely due to higher prices, with Spanish peppers fetching €2.16 per kilogram.
Despite the competition, Morocco's steady growth points to shifts within the EU agricultural export narrative. If Spain and the Netherlands, both of which have seen declines (the latter by 20.65%), cannot adjust to the changing dynamics, they may find themselves eclipsed by Morocco's rise.
Looking ahead, both Afghanistan and Morocco are positioned to leverage their agricultural sectors to navigate market challenges and bolster economic growth. Their respective export stories highlight not just resilience but also adaptability, both of which are key for sustaining their agricultural trade achievements.
With the pressure of changing global markets and shifting consumer preferences, these two nations are adapting strategically. They exemplify how agricultural export activity can shift from established practices to new, dynamic opportunities, showcasing growth driven by not just volume but by quality as well.