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Rabat – Europe is feeling the heat as weather conditions in Morocco are delaying local tomato harvests, a situation that has caused a surge in produce prices in Europe.
La Razon reported on Sunday that European markets sell tomatoes at €8 per kilogram, causing panic among local purchasing power.
“This is due to unfavorable weather conditions in southern source countries, particularly in Morocco, which delayed the summer production season and reduced the availability of crops for both export and domestic consumption,” the same source said, citing an imbalance between high demand and limited supply.
Consumers, however, are expecting an improvement in supply with the start of harvest.
Demands for Moroccan tomatoes in the EU are also a concern for local suppliers, who have long protested against Moroccan produce, citing competitiveness.
Moroccan produce has also been subject to vandalism in European markets by local suppliers.
Reports on the pressure on European markets also came after converging reports, stating Morocco also halted tomato exports to curb rising domestic prices.
Tomato prices reached over MAD 15 ($1.62) in some local markets, causing panic and frustration from many citizens.
EFE quotes sources that said the measure was adopted a few weeks ago by the Independent Agency for Control and Coordination of Exports to halt exports to African markets.
Morocco also partially restricted shipments to Europe until further notice, even as it continues to consolidate its position as the world’s third-largest tomato exporter and a key global supplier.
Moroccan exports reach around 767,000 tons of fresh tomatoes annually, more than triple the 217,000 tons recorded in 2005.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, Morocco generated nearly £1.2 billion from tomato sales.
