Morocco Surpasses European Rivals in Tomato Exports to EU

Morocco is doing better than the Netherlands and Spain in terms of tomato exports to Europe. According to an Hortoinfo report based on Euroestacom (ICEX-Eurostat) data, Morocco, the third largest supplier to the EU, exported 419,870 tons, an increase of 72.71% in its exports over the past ten years. This volume also represents 17.63% of total EU imports. The EU imported 2.38 million tons of tomatoes for a total value of 4.03 billion euros between January and October 2024, with an average price of 1.69 euros per kilo. Conversely, the market shares of the Netherlands, the leading exporter with 638,490 tons, and Spain, in second place with 460,380 tons, have fallen. Their exports have fallen by 14.76% and 12.87% respectively over a decade.

Morocco’s breakthrough is due to the value of its exports. With an average price of 1.82 euros per kilo, Moroccan tomatoes have a higher price than the Netherlands (1.74 euros/kg) and Spain (1.72 euros/kg), reports L’Économiste. "Between January and October 2024, this performance resulted in revenue of 764.76 million euros, placing Morocco very close to Spain, which generated 792.39 million euros despite a higher export volume," it is specified.

Moroccan exporters are mainly targeting France, the Netherlands and Germany to sell their tomatoes. They are also targeting Poland, where they sell cherry tomatoes in particular. Slowly but surely, Morocco is becoming a key player in Europe.