After a prolonged slump,Morocco’s potato export sector grew almost sixfold between July 2024 and May 2025 year-on-year,as the country exported 42,900 tons of table potatoes,generating $14.9 million in revenue,specialized fresh produce portal EastFruit said.
This marks a dramatic turnaround: export volumes surged by a factor of 5.7 compared to the previous season and were 1.5 times higher than in 2022–2023.
While still below the record set in 2018–2019,the latest figures suggest a renewed momentum for the sector,which had plummeted to just 7,400 tons in 2023–2024. That collapse saw Morocco fall from 28th to 67th place among global potato exporters.
Between February 2023 and July 2024,the Moroccan government imposed an embargo on exports to West Africa to protect domestic supply,stabilize prices,and prevent shortages during low-production periods.
During the embargo,exports were redirected to European markets,albeit in reduced volumes. The embargo was later lifted and replaced with a quota system,allowing trade with West African countries to resume and fueling the current rebound.
The revival of exports has been largely driven by renewed demand from West Africa. Mauritania and Mali have re-emerged as Morocco’s top destinations,accounting for nearly half of total shipments.
Spain remains a key European market,with growing volumes,while France,Portugal,Côte d’Ivoire,and Senegal also posted strong increases. In contrast,exports to the Netherlands,Burkina Faso,and Niger declined significantly.
The rebound highlights Morocco’s ability to regain market share after years of contraction. The reopening of West African markets has been pivotal,as regional buyers increasingly favor nearby suppliers amid global logistical uncertainties.
Still,the recovery remains fragile. The sector is vulnerable to climate conditions,water availability,and trade policies in both Morocco and its partner countries. The 2023 export embargo underscored the sensitivity of Moroccan producers to regulatory shifts.
United News - unews.co.za