Rabat – Morocco is expanding its presence in the European tomato market, with exports to the European Union (EU) reaching 568,370 tons during the 2024/2025 campaign, according to data from Euroestacom (Icex-Eurostat) compiled by Hortoinfo.
Representing 19.63% of the EU’s total tomato imports, these sales generated €1.04 billion, confirming Morocco’s rising influence in the sector.
Spain retreats, the Netherlands hold ground
Spain, once the uncontested leader in tomato exports, has seen its market share steadily erode. Since its peak in 2015/2016, Spanish exports have dropped by 35.23%, now standing at 522,520 tons, or 18.05% of the EU market, valued at €1.02 billion.
Rising labor costs and persistent drought have undermined Spain’s competitiveness.
The Netherlands continues to lead the market, exporting 780,220 tons (26.95% of the total) despite a 19.48% decline over the past decade. Its high-tech greenhouse model ensures consistent quality and availability but has come under pressure from surging energy costs.
Turkey has emerged as the most dynamic supplier. Its tomato exports to the EU soared by 212.9% in the last decade, reaching 185,770 tons in 2024/2025, worth €236.8 million, at an average price of €1.27 per kilogram. In total, EU tomato imports amounted to 2.89 million tons in 2024/2025, valued at €5.29 billion, with an average import price of €1.83 per kilogram.
Morocco’s competitive edge
Morocco’s advantage lies in its lower production costs compared to Spain and the Netherlands. With an average export price of €1.83 per kilogram, Moroccan tomatoes remain highly competitive.
Favorable climate conditions allow extended production cycles, reducing reliance on heated greenhouses and energy-intensive technologies. A relatively inexpensive agricultural workforce further strengthens this edge.
Trade agreements as a strategic lever
The Morocco-EU Association Agreement has played a crucial role in boosting Moroccan exports, granting tariff preferences and quotas that secure market access.
While often criticized by Spanish and French producers, these mechanisms have enabled Moroccan exporters to gain the trust of European retailers and expand their share of the market.
Morocco’s rise reflects the deeper structural shift in the EU’s growing reliance on Moroccan imports.
Morocco is no longer a seasonal player; it has become a central pillar of the European tomato supply chain and a key partner in safeguarding the continent’s food security.
