Moroccan Sardines Spain Export Suspension Negotiations

Spanish industrialists are not giving up on finding Moroccan sardine again. A meeting brought together the Association of Friends of Halieutis of fish merchants from Agadir and Laâyoune and ANFACO-CYTMA, the organization representing Spanish manufacturers of canned goods and processed seafood products.

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The discussions focused on proposals likely to modify the decision made by Morocco last February to suspend frozen sardine exports. According to Hespress, Moroccan professionals must now submit detailed proposals to the authorities developed from discussions with their Spanish counterparts.

Morocco holds the upper hand

Spain depends heavily on external supplies to feed its canning factories, particularly those located in Galicia. Moroccan sardine had until now held an important place due to its geographical proximity, available volumes and its adaptation to the needs of the processing industry.

The Moroccan decision had been justified by the decline in available supply, the need to better supply the domestic market and the desire to contain prices. Sardine remains one of the most consumed fish by Moroccan households, which makes any resumption of exports particularly sensitive.

The negotiation thus places Rabat facing two divergent interests. On one hand, Spanish canning factories want to recover a raw material that has become difficult to replace. On the other, Moroccan authorities must prevent any relaxation from reducing quantities offered to consumers or causing renewed pressure on prices.

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Professionals from Agadir and Laâyoune could seek a limited compromise, for example through regulated volumes or special export conditions. At this stage, however, no precise formula has been made public. Spain has returned to the negotiating table, but the tap on Moroccan sardines remains closed.