US Almond Imports Dominate Moroccan Market Despite Local Quality

Although the almonds produced in Morocco have a better taste and superior nutritional values, they have become less competitive than the ones imported from the United States. This is revealed by a new study conducted by researchers from Rekolt, a market research specialist. In 2021, more than 85% of local consumption was imported, mainly from the United States. Yet the kingdom has accelerated its production over the years. In 20 years, it has increased from 14,300 tons in 2000 to 29,600 tons in 2020.

In the eyes of consumers, American almonds are cheaper than those produced in Morocco. The study specifies that 30,000 tons of almonds are consumed in the kingdom each year. In 2017, the number reached 27,000 tons, of which 97% were produced locally. This figure climbed to 91% in 2018 for 28,000 tons consumed, before dropping to 78% in 2019.

The complete removal of customs barriers to the import of American almonds in 2019 has allowed them to establish themselves on the local market. It reached a market share of 21%, before gradually increasing in the following years, causing the share of Moroccan almonds to drop to 46%, then to only 15% in 2020 and 2021 compared to 52% and 83% respectively for the imported almond, the researchers say.