RABAT, Morocco – Morocco has resumed onion exports to African markets after lifting restrictions on shipments of the commodity, providing relief to exporters targeting key markets across the continent.
The decision, which took effect about a week ago, allows Moroccan exporters to restart onion shipments to African destinations. However, restrictions on the export of tomatoes and potatoes remain in force, with industry representatives saying no official explanation has been provided for the continued measures.
The partial easing of export controls is expected to support agricultural trade while highlighting the government’s continued efforts to balance domestic food security with export demand.
Onion Exports Resume
According to industry sources, exporters have already begun shipping onions to African markets following the lifting of the restrictions.
Morocco is a major supplier of fresh produce to several African countries, with onions forming an important part of its regional agricultural exports.
While the reopening of onion exports has been welcomed by traders, uncertainty remains over when restrictions on tomatoes and potatoes will be lifted.
The continued controls on those products are likely aimed at ensuring adequate domestic supply and managing food prices, although authorities have yet to provide an official explanation.
Logistics Challenges Persist
Despite the resumption of exports, Moroccan transport operators continue to face significant logistical bottlenecks on the route to West Africa.
The Rosso border crossing, located between Mauritania and Senegal, has become the primary transit corridor for Moroccan exports after transport companies shifted away from the traditional route through Mali because of ongoing security concerns.
Industry representatives report persistent congestion at Rosso, citing limited infrastructure and insufficient ferry capacity across the Senegal River.
The crossing serves both freight transport and passenger traffic, creating delays that affect the movement of agricultural exports destined for West African markets.
Shift Away from the Mali Corridor
For many years, Mali served as the main overland gateway for Moroccan exports to sub-Saharan Africa.
However, prolonged insecurity and armed conflict have made the route increasingly difficult for transport operators, forcing exporters to adopt alternative logistics corridors despite higher transport costs and operational challenges.
The increased reliance on the Rosso crossing has placed additional pressure on border infrastructure, leading to longer waiting times for trucks carrying agricultural products.
Importance of Regional Agricultural Trade
Africa remains an increasingly important destination for Moroccan agricultural exports as regional trade continues to expand.
The resumption of onion exports is expected to strengthen commercial ties with African markets while supporting food supply chains across West and Central Africa.
However, efficient logistics remain essential to maintaining Morocco’s competitiveness as an agricultural exporter.
Industry stakeholders continue to call for improvements in border infrastructure and transport capacity, as well as the eventual reopening of the traditional Mali transit corridor once security conditions improve.
Outlook
The reopening of onion exports represents a positive development for Morocco’s agricultural export sector, but broader challenges remain.
Until transport bottlenecks are addressed and restrictions on other key horticultural products are lifted, exporters are likely to continue facing operational constraints.
As intra-African trade grows under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), investments in transport infrastructure and more efficient trade corridors will be critical to ensuring that agricultural products move quickly and competitively across the continent.