Morocco has temporarily suspended tomato exports to African markets as the government seeks to stabilise domestic supplies and ease rising food prices that are putting pressure on consumers.
A Moroccan government source told Reuters on November 5 that the suspension had taken effect, describing it as a temporary measure. Lahoucine Aderdour, head of the Moroccan Interprofessional Federation for the Production and Export of Fruits and Vegetables (FIFEL), also confirmed the decision to the news agency.
The government source said exports to African markets would resume soon, while shipments to European destinations would remain unaffected.
However, Morocco’s government spokesperson did not directly confirm the suspension during a press briefing following Thursday’s government council meeting.
Domestic tomato prices put pressure on consumers
The export restriction comes amid a sharp increase in tomato prices across Morocco. Retail prices have reportedly climbed to between MAD17 and MAD18 per kilogram at some outlets, adding to concerns about household purchasing power.
Reports from Moroccan media have also highlighted rising prices at wholesale markets, including Marrakech, with traders and consumers expressing frustration over the situation.
Agricultural sector representatives have attributed the price increases to production and supply-chain challenges. These include plant viruses affecting crops, which have reduced yields during the current growing season.
Higher transportation costs, driven partly by rising fuel prices, have added further pressure on the movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets.
Government introduces measures to stabilise the market
The government has been taking steps to cushion the impact of higher transport costs and monitor food prices.
It allocated MAD400 million in financial support to road transport operators carrying passengers and freight for the 15-day period from November 1 to 15.
Authorities have also decided to establish an interministerial committee to monitor price fluctuations and coordinate measures aimed at protecting consumers’ purchasing power.
The temporary export suspension is another intervention intended to improve domestic availability and help moderate local prices.
African markets could feel the impact
The restriction could affect African buyers that rely on Moroccan tomatoes, although the duration of the suspension and the countries most affected have not been specified.
Morocco is an important supplier of fresh tomatoes to international markets. The country produced approximately 1.35 million tonnes in 2019, according to historical agricultural production data.
In 2025, Morocco ranked third among the world’s fresh tomato exporters, shipping 707.6 million kilograms and accounting for 9.6% of global exports, according to HortoInfo figures based on UN Comtrade data.
The decision highlights the vulnerability of regional agricultural supply chains when exporting countries face domestic shortages or price pressures. For African importers, a prolonged suspension could require adjustments to sourcing arrangements, while Moroccan authorities face the challenge of balancing export earnings with domestic food affordability.