Morocco’s Watermelon Exports Surge Despite Drought and Regional Bans

Very juicy, the watermelon is a fruit highly appreciated by Moroccans and foreigners. But its cultivation requires a significant amount of water, which has led the authorities of several regions, particularly in southeastern Morocco, to take banning measures to cope with the severe drought that has been hitting the kingdom for nearly four years. Despite these bans, Moroccan watermelon exports have recorded a significant increase.

Between March and May, Morocco exported 37.68% of the total watermelons to Spain, an increase of 15.2% compared to the same period in 2015, according to data from the "HortoInfo" portal, which adds that the Moroccan watermelons exported during the period also gained in value, reaching 17.18 million euros, with an average price of 0.85 euros per kilogram compared to 10.61 million euros with an average price of 0.60 euros per kilogram in 2015.

Thus, Morocco ranks first among suppliers of watermelons to Spain. It is followed by Senegal with quantities increasing from 5.36 million to 20 million kilograms, at an average price of 0.60 euros per kilogram, an increase of 273.2% compared to 2015. In third place comes Mauritania with quantities increasing from 0.82 to 10.61 million kilograms, with an average price increasing from 0.66 to 0.90 euros per kilogram, an increase of 1,190% compared to 2015.

By Spanish city, Valencia comes first in terms of imports of Moroccan watermelons, with 18.95% of the total. It is followed by Almería (18.71%), Barcelona with 9.62 million kilograms purchased, Seville with 6.35 million kilograms and Murcia with 5.53 million kilograms.