Spanish Avocado Farmers Face Surge in Moroccan Imports, Raising Concerns

Spain imported 14,187 tons of avocados from Morocco in January, a notable increase of 89% compared to the same period last year, according to data reported by Barlamane. In 2024, the Iberian Peninsula imported a total of 262,071 tons, representing an 8% increase compared to the previous year.

These figures show an invasion of the Spanish market by Moroccan avocados, which affects the sale of avocados in Valencia, particularly the Lamb Hass variety, the most in demand in the region. In March, the average production price fell to 1.73 euros per kilogram, compared to 2.44 euros a year earlier, a depreciation of more than 29%, it is specified.

This invasion of Moroccan avocados offered at competitive prices is detrimental to producers in the Valencian Community who are experiencing difficulties in selling their fruits produced on an area of 4,000 hectares, representing about one-fifth of the national cultivated area.

Valencian farmers also denounce the increase in thefts, calling for a strengthening of surveillance measures during this harvest campaign. They also ask the competent authorities to take measures to end this Moroccan competition, which they consider "unsustainable" and which could lead to the abandonment of avocado cultivation in the region.