Morocco Turns to Spanish Olive Oil Imports Amid Drought-Induced Shortage

Sources in the sector have revealed that several agricultural cooperatives have started importing Spanish olive oil to Morocco, after obtaining authorization from the competent authorities. The drastic drop in domestic production due to the persistent drought in the kingdom for almost six years is pushing producers to import. From 106,000 tons this year, production could halve next season, it is learned.

Moroccan producers have decided to import olive oil from Spain because it is considered the largest producer of olive oil in the Mediterranean basin. The peninsula should record a production of 1,300,000 tons this year, an increase of 52% compared to last year when 853,000 tons were produced.

Moroccan professionals could also turn to Tunisia, whose production should reach around 325,000 tons this year, compared to 200,000 tons the previous season. On the other hand, they will not really be able to count on Italy, which is also suffering from the adverse effects of the drought, with an estimated production down to around 200,000 tons this year, compared to 329,000 tons the previous season.

To a lesser extent, Morocco could also import olive oil from Greece, where a production of around 250,000 tons is expected next season, compared to 155,000 tons this season, or Portugal, with forecasts of 170,000 tons for next season compared to 158,000 tons this year.