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Rabat – Morocco’s earnings from vegetable exports surged to nearly $1.6 billion throughout 2023 despite declining volume.
The monetary value of exports marks a 12% year-on-year increase, according to a report from EastFruit.
Despite grappling with adverse weather conditions that led to a 14% reduction in export tonnage, dropping to 1.06 million tons, Morocco managed to outshine its previous five-year average by 5%.
Greenhouse tomatoes emerged as the primary driver behind the country’s export revenue, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total fresh vegetable export value.
Although the sector was affected by soaring summer temperatures, resulting in an 11% decline in greenhouse tomato exports to 660,000 tons, Morocco maintained its status as the world’s third-largest exporter of fresh tomatoes, trailing only Mexico and the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, sweet peppers retained their position as the second-highest revenue generator in the vegetable segment.
Morocco saw a significant uptick in both the volume and value of sweet pepper exports, with a 4% increase in physical export volumes to 174,000 tons and a remarkable 55% surge in monetary value, reaching $230 million.
Zucchini and pumpkins secured the third spot in terms of export revenue, with zucchini exports remaining relatively steady year-over-year in both quantity and value.
Morocco exported a combined total of 47,000 tons of zucchini and pumpkins, valued at $45 million in 2023.
Greenhouse cucumbers were the fourth-highest revenue contributor, with exports adding $23 million to the economy. Cucumber exports grew by 60% in 2023.
In addition, various greens and herbs, including parsley and tarragon, contributed $14 million to the export figures, along with significant contributions from carrots, onions, sweet corn, and a variety of brassica categories.
Read Also: Morocco’s Greenhouse Vegetable Exports Decline, Except for Bell Peppers
