Morocco's exports of vegetables and fruits to Spain have witnessed a modest increase of 4 percent in 2024, as reported by the Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables and Live Plants (FEPEX). This rise in exports marks a notable improvement, with Moroccan exports totaling over 455,000 tons in the past year. Notably, some field crops such as peppers, green beans, and tomatoes dominated Spain's imports from Morocco.
According to recent data, the total value of Moroccan exports to Spain is approximated at around 1 billion euros by the end of 2024, representing a significant 16 percent increase compared to the previous year. Tomatoes, peppers, and green beans accounted for the majority of these exports, with these three products alone contributing to nearly 49 percent of Spain’s total vegetable imports from Morocco.
Specific figures reveal that Spain imported more than 88,000 tons of Moroccan peppers valued at over 100 million euros, while green bean imports reached 68,000 tons, totaling approximately 156 million euros in value. Additionally, tomato imports amounted to 66,000 tons, with a total worth exceeding 84 million euros.
Notably, between January and October 2024, Spain's demand for Moroccan tomatoes was substantial, with imports reaching 42.47 million kilograms, accounting for about 24.46 percent of Spain’s entire vegetable imports from Morocco. These exports showcased an increase of around 9.4 percent in volume compared to the same period in 2023. The average price of Moroccan tomatoes stood at 1.34 euros per kilogram, culminating in a total value of nearly 56.7 million euros.
Moving to the figures for green beans, during the same timeframe, Spain imported 80.67 million kilograms from Morocco, worth approximately 97.7 million euros. This marked an impressive 59.5 percent increase in quantities compared to the same timeframe in 2019, indicating a strong foothold in the market with a market share of 91.95 percent of Spain's total green bean imports.
While Morocco continues to assert its position as a reliable supplier of fruits and vegetables to Spain, it’s essential to acknowledge that France has overtaken Morocco as the leading supplier of vegetables. French exports surpassed 1.1 million tons in the last year, experiencing a 19 percent growth in volume and a corresponding 16 percent increase in value, which reached approximately 523 million euros. French potatoes constituted the bulk of these vegetable exports, tallying 942,000 tons, representing about 86 percent of the total vegetables and fruits imported from France.
This ongoing development in trade dynamics highlights the continuous competition within the European vegetable and fruit market, as Moroccan produce contends for a significant share while facing challenges from other suppliers. The growing demand for Moroccan agricultural products underlines the importance of the country's strategic agricultural exports, particularly the key products of tomatoes, peppers, and green beans, which have placed Morocco firmly on the map as a crucial supplier to the Spanish market.
In summary, the data presented by FEPEX indicates that Morocco's agricultural export performance to Spain is on an upward trajectory, showcasing the invaluable role of Moroccan produce in Spain’s vegetable imports in 2024.
Given these figures and trends, Morocco's agricultural sector is positioned to continue contributing significantly to the country's economy while providing essential food products to neighboring Spain, firmly establishing Morocco as a key player in the trade of vegetables and fruits on the European stage.
