Moroccan Fruit and Vegetable Exports to Germany Hit Record High

Moroccan exports of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to Germany have soared to record levels, highlighting a shift in European agricultural trade dynamics. The EastFruit platform reports an unprecedented increase in shipments, driven by the ongoing crisis in the EU's greenhouse sector.

Rabat – Moroccan exports of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables to Germany have soared to record levels, highlighting a shift in European agricultural trade dynamics. The EastFruit platform reports an unprecedented increase in shipments, driven by the ongoing crisis in the EU’s greenhouse sector.

Between January and March 2024, Morocco exported nearly 35,000 tons of fresh and frozen produce to Germany, a 40% increase from the same period last year.

This surge is particularly significant given that a considerable portion of Moroccan exports is often re-exported via Spain or France, suggesting the actual volume could be even higher.

Greenhouse tomatoes led this growth, with Moroccan exports to Germany nearly doubling to 13,000 tons in the first quarter. Pepper exports also rose by a third, reaching 8,000 tons.

The EU greenhouse sector, facing rising energy costs, has seen a decline, enhancing the competitiveness of suppliers like Morocco and Turkey.

The rise in frozen raspberry exports was particularly striking, with figures reaching 1.7 thousand tons, more than four times the amount from the previous year.

This spike is linked to a severe shortage of frozen raspberries in the German market, driving prices up and increasing reliance on Moroccan supply.

Fresh raspberries from Morocco maintained a stable supply at around 2.4 thousand tons, while fresh blueberry exports grew to 1.2 thousand tons, and fresh strawberry sales doubled to 560 tons.

The booming Moroccan exports underscore the shifting landscape of European agriculture, as traditional EU producers grapple with higher production costs.

Morocco’s ability to capitalize on these challenges and meet the rising demand in Germany illustrates the growing importance of non-EU suppliers in the European market.

“The real impact of Morocco on the German fruit and vegetable market could be even more significant,” notes EastFruit. “Given that a considerable portion of Moroccan exports is re-exported via Spain or France, thus appearing in the statistics as Spanish or French exports.”