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Rabat – Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Sadiki has denied rumors that suggest the remarkable decrease in vegetable and fruit prices is tied to Mauritania’s decision to impose customs duties on Moroccan produce.
Sadiki denied the rumors in an interview with Le360, saying that Mauritania continues to import Moroccan produce.
He said that annual vegetable exports from Morocco to Mauritania range between 1,000 and 1,500 quintals, pointing out that there has never been a problem.
Moroccans have been enjoying a remarkable decrease in vegetable and fruit prices recently. MAmAMany linked the situation to Mauritania’s decision to impose higher customs duties on Morocco’s produce.
Reports said that the unexpected increase in customs duties reached as much as 171%, raising concerns among many – especially in Mauritania.
A forum dedicated to consumers said the measure could exacerbate the challenges faced by people in the country.
“We condemn this measure, which aggravates concerns and erodes the purchasing power of the consumer, already burdened by the continuous rise in prices, the monopoly, and high prices,” the forum lamented in a statement on January 6.
According to Sadiki, Mauritania has not stopped importing Moroccan products.
“It has simply adjusted customs duties, leading to some logistical delays. Moreover, exports continue to various destinations, including other African countries, Europe, and Canada.”
He added that the trend between the drop in Morocco produce prices is simply coincidental.
In January, Mauritania’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug said that his country is working on possible solutions to tackle the situation.
“We can find solutions to all issues within the existing cooperation framework, especially some pending ones such as the movement of trucks,” he said in Rabat during a press conference with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.
Exports are imperative
Emphasizing the importance of exports, Sadiki described it as necessary when supply exceeds domestic demand.
He highlighted a basic example of a farmer that produces 1,000 tonnes per hectare while the local market only needs 300 tonnes.
“The profit from selling in the domestic market, combined with the selling price abroad ensures the viability of producers’ investments,” he said.
He further reassured citizens, noting that in case of insufficient demand in the domestic market, his ministry’s professionals intend to intervene to find solutions.
“It should be noted that an outright ban on exports is not feasible as this could discourage farmers from cultivating in subsequent seasons leading to long-term difficulties,” he said.
