Significant Decline in Avocado Exports
Morocco, known for its diverse agricultural exports, is set to witness a substantial decline in avocado exports, with projections indicating a decrease of nearly 50% for the 2025/2026 period. This alarming trend follows a record-breaking export campaign in 2024/2025, during which the country successfully shipped 112,000 tons of avocados. The most recent figures indicate that only 58,000 tons will be available for international markets, as disclosed by Abdellah El Yamlahi, the President of the Moroccan Avocado Association (MAVA), in an interview with the specialized media outlet FreshPlaza on March 20, 2026.
The drastic reduction in export volume can be attributed to several factors, with adverse climatic conditions being the primary culprit. The 2025/2026 growing season was marred by extreme weather, beginning with heatwaves and culminating in floods and strong winds that reportedly resulted in crop losses of nearly 50% of the initial production estimates. These challenges have not only diminished the quantity of avocados available for export but have also led to logistical hurdles, including port closures and delays that adversely affected fruit quality as the season progressed. El Yamlahi emphasized that the ongoing issues have rendered the export campaign unusually difficult, despite high market prices throughout the season.
Future Challenges and Economic Implications
The implications of this decline extend beyond mere export numbers; they threaten to impact the country's foreign exchange earnings significantly. In the previous campaign, Moroccan avocado exports generated over $300 million, and the expected downturn poses challenges for sustaining this revenue stream. The upcoming campaign will require strategic planning to revitalize the avocado sector, particularly in light of its vulnerability to climatic changes. The MAVA will need to collaborate closely with growers and logistical partners to devise effective strategies that can mitigate the risks associated with future weather anomalies and logistical disruptions.
As reported by agenceecofin.com.
