Morocco’s potato exports surge after five-year decline
Recovery driven by West African demand and renewed European trade
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — Morocco has recorded a significant rebound in potato exports during the 2024-2025 season, shipping 42,900 tons of consumer potatoes valued at $14.9 million, marking a 5.7-fold increase compared to the previous year.
The rise demonstrates the country’s ability to regain international market share following five consecutive years of decline, according to EastFruit.
The rebound follows a sharp fall in 2023-2024, when Morocco exported only 7,400 tons, dropping from 28th to 67th place among global potato exporters.
Peak exports were previously recorded in 2018-2019, with nearly 100,000 tons shipped, before competition and market shifts caused a gradual decline.
Morocco’s export recovery was supported by resumed trade with West African nations, notably Mauritania and Mali, which accounted for nearly half of the total volumes in 2024-2025.
Strong demand from European markets, including Spain, France, Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, also contributed to growth, while exports to the Netherlands, Burkina Faso, and Niger fell sharply.
The rebound comes after a February 2023–July 2024 export embargo on West Africa, implemented to protect domestic supply, stabilize local prices, and prevent shortages.
The policy was later replaced with a quota system, allowing exports to regional partners to resume.
Morocco’s potato exports remain seasonal, peaking between July–September and February–April to align with harvest cycles and international demand.
Despite the strong recovery, the industry continues to face challenges including weather variability, water availability, and changing commercial policies in trading partners.
The 2024-2025 season highlights Morocco’s capacity to recover from previous setbacks, but sustained investment and careful management of environmental and regulatory factors will be crucial for maintaining export growth.
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