Morocco’s Avocado Paradox: Exports Surge While Imports Triple

Between boom in avocado imports and exports. The volume of Moroccan imports only reached 4,000 tons of avocados just seven years ago. Today, this import volume has more than tripled. In terms of value, the record import this year amounts to $8.5 million. What is the reason? "The main avocado import season in Morocco is from March to September, when there is practically no local supply on the market. Therefore, the growth of avocado imports in the country is driven by a gradual extension of the consumption season. In addition, the import of avocados in Morocco also depends on the performance of the tourism industry in the country. For example, in 2023, the country will host a record number of tourists, which has already had a positive impact on the import of many products, including avocados," explains Yevhen Kuzin, fruit and vegetable market analyst at EastFruit.

Peru, the second largest exporter in the world after Mexico, is the main supplier of avocados for Moroccan consumers. At least two-thirds of Morocco’s total avocado imports come from this country. Over the first 9 months of 2023, Peruvian products accounted for 78% of the total volume. Morocco also sources from Spain, the 4th largest exporter in the world. The Iberian peninsula has, however, lost part of its share. Spanish products have gone from over 30% in 2019 to 12% this year. In addition, Morocco is turning to South Africa, Brazil, and Kenya to import small quantities of avocados. In 2023, products from eight countries around the world have been imported into the Moroccan market.

To read: Morocco’s Avocado Exports Surge to Record Levels Despite Drought

Moroccan avocado exports are also increasing. The 12th largest avocado exporter in the world in 2017, Morocco has seen its sales multiply by more than four to the point that the kingdom now ranks 9th in the global ranking. In 2022, the kingdom exported more than 55,000 tons of avocados. Deliveries have already exceeded 23,000 tons in the first nine months of the current year. And, the prospects for this season look very promising despite the severe water scarcity facing the country due to current conditions (climate change, drought). "The challenge of using water efficiently will continue to be a key issue for the avocado production industry in Morocco in the coming years," comments Yevhen Kuzin.

To read: Moroccan Fruit Exports Surge 50%, Spain and France Top Buyers

And he adds: "There are already serious calls in the country to restrict water consumption by avocado producers, which could threaten the future of the export sector. However, on average, Morocco uses at least twice as little water as Peru, Chile, Israel or South Africa to produce 1 kg of avocados. This means that compared to its competitors, Morocco is already more environmentally friendly in avocado cultivation. In the future, modern technologies that reduce water consumption, such as subsurface drip irrigation, water recycling technologies, etc., will also play an important role in this regard. This will allow Morocco to preserve its natural resources and maintain a stable income from the export of a popular product in the world."