US Identifies Six Pest Risks in Moroccan Eggplant Imports, Jeopardizing Trade Deal

A blow for Morocco, which expects to sign a partnership with the United States for the export of its eggplants. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has published the results of an assessment of phytosanitary risks for imports of fresh eggplants (Solanum melongena) from the kingdom. The results of this study based on market access requests submitted by Morocco are clear: six pest insect risks have been identified. These are the Mediterranean fruit fly and five species of moths representing a unique risk for Moroccan eggplant exports to the United States.

Of the 20 insects identified in the report, the APHIS considers these to be the most harmful, as they are not easily identifiable at harvest. In addition, each species lays eggs inside the eggplant, making the fruit inedible, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reports. The authors of the report then suggest that Moroccan suppliers take risk mitigation measures, including brushing and slaughter before exporting the fruit to the United States.

In 2019, eggplant imports to the United States represent 15.5% of global eggplant trade. According to data from the International Trade Center, Moroccan eggplant exports doubled from 2019 to 2020, reaching 4,010 tonnes. Nearly 3,500 tonnes were exported to Mauritania, 260 tonnes to France and 250 tonnes to Spain.