Moroccan Merchants Protest Algerian Date Imports Ahead of Ramadan

"The Moroccan people do not want Algerian dates," chanted the protesters, calling for an end to the import of these fruits from Algeria. For the demonstrators, this action is part of a context of growing political tensions with Algeria and aims to support local date production.

This controversy comes as the date market is experiencing a paradoxical situation: prices are soaring, reaching peaks for certain varieties such as Mejhoul (between 40 and 140 dirhams per kilo) or Boufeggous (between 50 and 80 dirhams), while demand is collapsing compared to last year.

Despite this drop in consumption, date imports have increased significantly. According to official figures, Morocco imported more than 132,000 tons of dates this year, compared to 109,000 tons the previous year, an increase of 23,000 tons.

Faced with this situation, Moroccan consumers fear a new price spike as Ramadan approaches and denounce the role of "intermediaries" and "lobbies" who, according to them, are taking advantage of the strong demand for this essential fruit during the holy month.