Nearly one date in three consumed in Morocco is Egyptian

Between October 2024 and August 2025, Morocco imported approximately 39,100 tons of Egyptian dates worth $47.6 million, according to the latest data from the Global Trade Tracker analyzed by EastFruit. A historic record that reflects Morocco’s growing dependence on Egyptian dates, which account for 31% of Moroccan imports this year, compared to 25% the previous season and 12% in 2021/22. Thus, nearly one date in three consumed in Morocco is Egyptian.

Several factors explain this increase in Moroccan imports of Egyptian dates. Firstly, a strong seasonality of trade. Egyptian exporters start sales in October, which continue until March, a favorable period for Moroccan imports, in anticipation of Ramadan. In February 2025, Morocco imported 8,300 tons of Egyptian dates to meet strong local demand.

Secondly, price competitiveness. The import of Egyptian dates and their early harvest are both advantages compared to Algerian, Libyan and Saudi dates. Moroccan producers denounce this massive import of dates and competition, fearing a weakening of the sector and an imbalance in the Moroccan market. Morocco is now the main destination for Egyptian dates, receiving more than 40% of the global exports of this product.