Increasing Competition from Moroccan Watermelon Imports
This summer has proven to be particularly challenging for the Spanish watermelon sector, which is facing intensifying competition from across the Mediterranean. Morocco has established itself as the leading supplier of watermelons outside the European Union, with its shipments to the EU market continuing to rise. This influx coincides with the start of the Spanish watermelon campaign, exacerbating the pressure on prices within the local market. During the first half of the year, the EU imported over 350,000 tons of watermelon from non-EU countries, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Of this volume, nearly 149,000 tons originated from Morocco, representing a growth of 14%.
The issue is not solely the volume of product entering the market; it is also about how these imports influence the Spanish market. Andrés Góngora, the General Secretary of the agrarian organization COAG, highlighted in statements to _EFE_ that Moroccan watermelons differ from their Spanish counterparts—they are larger but contain more seeds. Despite these differences, the surge in imports has led to market saturation and downward pressure on prices. Additionally, Morocco is not the only competitor; Brazil has significantly increased its watermelon exports to the EU, with shipments rising by 40% compared to last year. Over the past five years, Brazil has more than doubled its export volume.
Senegal also presents a growing challenge, with a 25% increase in watermelon exports to the EU. The timing of Senegalese production coincides with the start of the Spanish campaign, but at a lower price point, which further complicates matters. There is also growing concern about labeling, as the similarity between Spanish watermelons and those from Senegal may lead to consumer confusion.
The Melon Market Diverges
In contrast to the watermelon sector, the melon market is exhibiting a different trend. Between January and June, European imports of melons from non-EU countries fell by 11%, totaling 173,000 tons. Brazil remains the primary supplier, although its exports have declined, still exceeding the five-year average. Morocco ranks second in melon exports to Europe, although its shipments have dropped by over 40% compared to the previous year. Costa Rica and Senegal are following closely, with Senegal being the only major supplier to have increased its exports over the past year. This situation has raised alarms within the Spanish sector, with Góngora noting that while competition with Latin American melons has always existed, the rising production of Senegalese melons, particularly the piel de sapo variety, is now a cause for concern.
Another critical aspect of this competition lies in the overlap of harvest calendars. José Cánovas, president of the Melon and Watermelon sector in the Murcia Proexport association, emphasizes the importance of preventing overlap between Spanish and third-country campaigns. The dynamics change significantly if Spain concludes its campaign in September while overseas production arrives in October. Problems arise when the Spanish campaign extends, coinciding with the influx of imported fruit. This situation can also adversely affect Spanish exports; if other countries reach European markets ahead of Spain, the latter’s products find themselves at a disadvantage.
Moroccan watermelon has thus emerged as a focal point for the Spanish sector, not merely because it is the fastest-growing supplier—Brazil holds that title—but because it has become the leading non-EU provider, with increasing shipments arriving just as Spain enters its own campaign. As a result, Moroccan imports are not just seen as an increase in supply, but as a direct threat to Spanish producers who struggle to compete under these overlapping circumstances. In light of these challenges, farmers and producers are advocating for stricter border controls, regulatory reciprocity, and fair competition rules across all parties involved.
The concern extends beyond the mere volume of Moroccan watermelon entering the market; it encompasses the timing, pricing, and competitive conditions that Spanish fruit must endure. In an increasingly open European market, the challenge for Spain is no longer just about producing high-quality watermelons but ensuring that they can compete on equal footing with imports. Thus, the core question for the Spanish agricultural sector is not only about how much product arrives from abroad but also about the timing of its arrival, the prices at which it is offered, and how it competes against domestic produce.
As reported by eleconomista.es.
