Morocco temporarily blocks tomato exports to African markets

Morocco has temporarily restricted tomato exports to African markets as the government tries to increase domestic supplies and lower prices that have risen sharply for households

The measure took effect after exporters serving African destinations were informed that new shipments would be suspended. European exports, where Moroccan tomatoes command higher prices, were exempt.

This means that the government is protecting Morocco's more lucrative European trade while limiting supplies sent to other African countries during domestic shortages.

Tomato prices have recently exceeded MAD12 ($1.30) per kilogram in some Moroccan retail markets, while wholesale prices have reached as high as MAD9 per kilogram in Casablanca.

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Reuters reported that Lahoucine Aderdour, head of the Moroccan Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, confirmed the temporary pause. A government source stated that exports would resume soon but did not provide a date.

Existing permits may remain valid.

A separate Moroccan report provides important qualification to the measurement.

La Relève stated that authorities had suspended the issuance of new export permits for shipments of fruits and vegetables to African countries, rather than ordering every truck already authorized to stop.

Trucks with valid permits could therefore continue to operate, according to the report. Export companies were reportedly notified on November 4, with the suspension taking effect at midnight.

No official timeline has been announced. Future approvals are expected to depend on domestic supply and pricing.

Why Moroccan tomatoes have become more expensive

The decline in productivity in Souss-Massa, Morocco's main tomato-producing region, has tightened the supply.

Farmers and traders also cited plant diseases, delayed harvests, and increased expenses for fertilizers and fuel. Diesel prices rose again in early November, adding to the cost of moving produce between farms, wholesale centers, and retailers.

Moroccan producers dispute claims that exports alone caused the shortage. They maintain that foreign sales provide the necessary revenue to absorb rising production costs and maintain supply.

However, Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa stated that the government would regulate food exports to reduce domestic prices. Government spokesman Samir Belfquih said Morocco's priority was "food sovereignty," although he did not directly confirm the export decision.

Africa is subject to the restriction while Europe remains exempt.

Morocco is the second largest external supplier of tomatoes to the European Union, giving the country a valuable market close to its northern border.

Its African tomato trade is smaller and largely conducted overland. Restricting this segment is therefore less financially damaging for exporters than disrupting European contracts.

The decision nevertheless transfers some of Morocco’s pressure on domestic food prices to African importers who depend on its products.

Morocco's agricultural exports increased by 4.3% in the first nine months of 2026 to reach MAD 33.1 billion (US$3.4 billion), demonstrating the sector's importance to export earnings, even as households face higher food bills.

The government has maintained transport subsidies and plans to create regional distribution companies to reduce intermediaries. But until production recovers, Morocco is prioritizing domestic consumers without relinquishing its higher-value position in Europe.