Morocco’s Tea Supply Secure for Six Months Despite China Coronavirus Disruption

The second largest consumer of tea, at a rate of 70,000 tons per year, Morocco sources from China, the world’s largest producer, whose machines are running at a slow pace since the coronavirus outbreak. Contrary to apprehensions about a shortage and a rise in the price of tea, the Moroccan Association of Tea and Coffee Industrialists reassured consumers during an interview on MFM radio.

The president of this association, Mohamed Astaib, indicated that Morocco, in view of similar experiences of epidemics that have occurred in the past, has made its arrangements. According to Mohamed Astaib, "sufficient stock has been imported and Morocco could hold out for a period of six months". Also, he specified that trade between China and Morocco continues.

Mohamed Astaib also dismissed the possibility of a price surge. According to him, the problem should not arise since most importers have arrived with their goods via maritime lines from China to Morocco.

According to President Astaib, tea is available in sufficient quantities in all supermarkets, stores and with wholesalers. "There will be no shortage. So I can reassure Moroccans that the price will not see any increase," he added.