A recent agricultural outlook report highlights Morocco’s continued role as a primary supplier of fresh tomatoes to the European Union (EU) from 2024 to 2035, according to Freshplaza.
The report outlines significant shifts in the EU’s agricultural market, forecasting a rise in imports of fresh fruits and vegetables while predicting a decline in exports. This trend is linked to the introduction of new varieties designed to cater to global consumer preferences, except for apples, whose exports are projected to grow by 0.6% annually, reaching 1.1 million tons by 2035.
Despite the growth in apple exports, the EU’s exports of fresh tomatoes, peaches, and nectarines are expected to decline, while orange exports are forecasted to remain stable. The report attributes this decline in apple exports to the availability of high-quality varieties in domestic markets.
Meanwhile, EU imports of fresh tomatoes are projected to increase by 0.6% annually, with Morocco retaining its position as the leading supplier. Exports of processed tomatoes from the EU are expected to remain stable, driven by strong global demand.
The reliance on Moroccan tomatoes has caused dissatisfaction among European farmers, who argue that Morocco’s market dominance hinders fair competition.
European farmers claim that Moroccan producers benefit from advantages deemed unfair, fueling protests earlier this year. Demonstrations in February included road blockages and attacks on Moroccan vegetable transport trucks.
Data from the European Commission in May revealed that Morocco accounted for 65% of the EU’s total tomato imports in the previous year, further underscoring its dominance in the market.