Morocco Halts Tomato Exports to African Markets to Cool Domestic Prices

Morocco paused tomato exports to African markets on Thursday to protect domestic supply and help bring down prices at home. The head of the Moroccan fresh produce exporters federation FIFEL and a government source confirmed the move.

Tomato prices in Morocco surged because of lower productivity in the main producing region of Souss Massa, as well as higher fertiliser and fuel costs. Morocco is the second-largest tomato exporter to the European Union, but its African market is relatively small.

Exporters notified of temporary halt

FIFEL head Lahoucine Aderdour told Reuters by phone that exporters serving African markets were informed of the decision. He did not provide further details.

A government source, who requested anonymity, said the halt is “temporary” and aims to help organise the market. The source added that exports “would resume soon.” More expensive tomatoes shipped to European markets were exempt from the decision, the source said.

Morocco has in previous years restricted exports of some fresh produce to prioritise domestic consumption. Government spokesman Samir Belfquih did not directly answer a question on Thursday about the export halt. He said the government gives priority to “food sovereignty.”

Price pressure and policy response

Last week, Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa said the government would regulate food exports to help bring down prices. The government has maintained transport subsidies to help keep food prices stable. It also plans to establish regional distribution companies to reduce intermediaries and lower food costs.

Agricultural exports rose 4.3% year on year to 33.1 billion dirhams ($3.4 billion) in the first nine months of this year.

What it means for regional food trade

The decision shows how food inflation can push exporters to favour domestic supply over regional sales. Morocco’s African tomato market is described as relatively small, so the direct effect on Nigerian consumers may be limited. For Nigerian businesses that trade in fresh produce, the lesson is that export restrictions can tighten supply quickly when domestic prices rise.