Morocco pauses tomato exports to African markets amid high prices at home

Morocco Temporarily Halts Tomato Exports to Africa to Stabilize Prices at Home

Morocco's Decision to Pause Tomato Exports: Background and Implications

By Ahmed Eljechtimi

Export Suspension and Domestic Market Impact

RABAT, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Morocco paused tomato exports to African markets on Thursday to ensure steady domestic supply and help lower prices at home, the head of the Moroccan fresh produce exporters federation FIFEL and a government source said.

Factors Behind Price Surge

Tomato prices surged on the domestic market due to lower productivity in the country's main producing region of Souss Massa, as well as higher fertiliser and fuel costs.

Export Market Overview

Morocco is the second-largest tomato exporter to the EU, but its African market is relatively small.

Reactions from Exporters and Government

Exporters Notified of the Decision

Exporters serving African markets were informed of the decision, FIFEL head Lahoucine Aderdour told Reuters by phone, without providing further details.

Government's Position on the Export Halt

The halt is "temporary" and aims to help organise the market, said a government source, who requested anonymity, adding that exports "would resume soon."

Exemptions and Previous Measures

More expensive tomatoes shipped to European markets were exempt from the decision, the source said.

Morocco has in previous years restricted exports of some fresh produce to prioritise domestic consumption.

Official Statements

Government spokesman Samir Belfquih did not directly answer a question on Thursday about the export halt but said the government gives priority to "food sovereignty".

Government Measures to Stabilize Food Prices

Regulation and Subsidies

Last week, Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa said the government would regulate food exports to help bring down prices.

The government has maintained transport subsidies to help keep food prices stable and plans to establish regional distribution companies to reduce intermediaries and lower food costs.

Agricultural Export Performance

Agricultural exports rose 4.3% year-on-year to 33.1 billion dirhams ($3.4 billion) in the first nine months of this year.

(Reporting by Ahmed El Jechtimi; Editing by Nia Williams)