Unprecedented Surge in Morocco's Pistachio Imports
In 2025, Morocco experienced a remarkable increase in its pistachio imports, surpassing 4,000 tons for the first time. This surge indicates a growing local demand for this food product and a reliance on international markets to meet consumption needs. According to data from the agricultural market analysis platform "EastFruit," Morocco's pistachio imports reached approximately 4,050 tons in the previous year, with a total value of $33.9 million. This figure marks the highest level ever recorded for this product, representing a significant increase of around 27.5% compared to 2024.
The data further reveals that Morocco's pistachio imports have been on a consistent upward trend in recent years, with quantities imported rising sharply for six consecutive years. Since 2019, imports have increased nearly 11.5 times, with an average annual growth rate of about 50%. This trend reflects clear shifts in food consumption patterns within the country.
US Leads the Market, Followed by Turkey and Iran
The United States stands out as the primary supplier of pistachios to Morocco, accounting for approximately 92% of the total imports in 2025. This dominance underscores the continued supremacy of American products in the global pistachio trade, thanks to the substantial production levels and high quality of American agricultural exports. In contrast, Turkey has strengthened its position in the Moroccan market, increasing its pistachio exports to Morocco by approximately 3.5 times year-on-year, making it the second-largest supplier of this product. Meanwhile, Iran, known as one of the world's leading pistachio producers, holds a mere 2.2% share of Morocco's total imports.
Industry observers, as reported by "EastFruit," suggest that this continuous rise in imports reflects a growing consumer demand for pistachios in Morocco, whether for direct consumption or use in food processing and confectionery industries. At the same time, it highlights the limitations of local production in meeting the increasing demand.
In light of these developments, Moroccan authorities are paying greater attention to the domestic cultivation of pistachios as part of efforts to reduce reliance on imports and diversify agricultural production, especially in regions with limited water resources. The government has included pistachios among the crops it is betting on under the Green Generation Strategy 2020-2030. This national plan aims to modernize the agricultural sector and promote sustainable agricultural development.
The strategy specifically targets the expansion of pistachio cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions, given the tree's ability to adapt to relatively harsh climatic conditions compared to other crops, making it a suitable choice for diversifying agriculture in various Moroccan regions.
As reported by madar21.com.
