Bamako – The European Union’s demand for Moroccan tomatoes has experienced a noticeable dip this season, with imports from the North African nation dropping by 6.8% compared to the previous year.
According to a report by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), which closely monitors EU tomato imports, the decline spans from September 2023 to May 2024.
EU member states imported 464,052 tons of Moroccan tomatoes this season, a significant decrease from the 497,928 tons recorded during the same period in the previous season.
The reduction comes on the heels of a record high in Moroccan tomato imports to the EU in 2022, marking the steepest decline in the past five years.
Overall, the EU’s tomato imports have seen a broader contraction, with total imports standing at 1,370,552 tons—a 5.7% drop from the last season. This figure also represents a 9.6% decrease when compared to the average import volume over the past five years.
The data highlights a broader trend of declining tomato imports from both EU and non-EU countries, although the latter group has seen some variation.
While Moroccan tomatoes remain the dominant import within the EU from non-EU countries, other suppliers are gaining ground. Turkey, for instance, has significantly expanded its presence in the EU market.
Read also: Morocco Captures 65% of EU’s Tomato Import Market in 2023
Turkish tomato imports surged to 191,769 tons this season, reflecting a 40.4% increase compared to the average of the last five years. Tunisia, another key player, also saw its tomato exports to the EU rise to 24,286 tons, marking a 37.1% increase from the five-year average.
In contrast, Moroccan exports have not maintained the same growth trajectory. The 6.8% drop in Moroccan tomato imports contrasts sharply with the gains seen by Turkey and Tunisia, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of the EU’s tomato market.
The fluctuations in these import figures highlight changing dynamics within the European market, where consumer preferences, trade policies, and agricultural yields are constantly reshaping the flow of goods.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Morocco can regain its footing or if the rise of other suppliers will continue to reshape the EU’s tomato import patterns.
