Morocco Reduces Zucchini Exports to EU, Increases Tomato Shipments

The current agricultural season shows a 27.4% decrease in Moroccan zucchini volume exported to the European Union, while tomatoes register a slight increase of 0.5%.

Generic image of fresh zucchini and tomatoes in a market.
IA

Generic image of fresh zucchini and tomatoes in a market.

The current agricultural campaign has revealed a significant decline in zucchini exports from Morocco to the European Union, contrasting with a slight increase in tomato volume, according to recent data from the Andalusian Government's Price and Market Observatory.

The volume of zucchini exported by Morocco to the EU has experienced a notable reduction of 27.4% compared to the previous campaign, reaching 25,507 tons by April 12. This figure is well below the permitted quota of 56,000 tons, marking the end of the export period on April 20.
This decrease has been favorable for producers in Almería, who saw zucchini prices soar in January, almost reaching 3 euros per kilo. This peak coincided with adverse weather conditions that reduced production and tripled average weekly farm-gate prices compared to the previous campaign.
Currently, the province of Almería has accumulated 77% of its total zucchini volume, with only late crops remaining to supply supermarkets throughout spring. However, prices have fallen sharply in recent weeks, dropping below 0.40 euros per kilo, after exceeding 0.80 euros in week 13.
Regarding tomatoes, another key product in the competition between Almería and Morocco, Moroccan exports to the EU have increased by 0.5% compared to the previous year, totaling 248,963 tons by April 12, out of an authorized total of 285,000. Prices for vine and pear tomatoes have recently rebounded, exceeding 2 euros per kilo, although the annual average has remained similar to the previous campaign. Accumulated tomato production in Almería stands at 78%.