As Morocco continues to assert its presence in the European agricultural market, Spanish producers are facing heightened competition, particularly in the realm of strawberries. The Huelva region, renowned for its red fruit cultivation, is now witnessing increasing pressure on prices during the winter months, as Moroccan strawberries enter the market, directly competing with local produce. This shift in market dynamics follows Morocco's recent achievement of surpassing Spain in tomato exports to the European Union, with Moroccan shipments reaching an impressive 526,737 tonnes in 2025 compared to Spain's 502,449 tonnes, as reported by the Spanish federation FEPEX.
Historically, the balance of power has shifted dramatically. Back in 2016, Spain was leading the market with 763,846 tonnes of tomatoes exported, compared to Morocco's 344,094 tonnes. Over the past nine years, Moroccan tomato volumes have surged by 53%, while Spain's have declined by 34%, highlighting a significant transformation in the agricultural landscape.
Now, the focus has turned to strawberries in Huelva, where Andrés Góngora, the Secretary General of the agricultural coordination group COAG, has voiced concerns over the adverse impact of Moroccan strawberries on local producers. He points out that the timing of the harvests coinciding with those from Morocco exacerbates the competition. Furthermore, Ignacio Antequera from FEPEX attributes this competitive edge to disparities in labor costs and phytosanitary regulations between the two regions, which bolster Moroccan producers' market advantage.
These apprehensions are not new; they resurfaced in 2023 when Huelva growers expressed their worries regarding Moroccan competition in raspberries. However, recent reports indicate that these concerns have now expanded to include strawberries, particularly critical during the winter harvest season. Additionally, a 2024 European Commission report noted plans for the irrigation of an additional 13,000 hectares by 2030, with significant portions slated for development in Boujdour and near Dakhla. These agricultural projects are expected to be fueled by innovative initiatives, including seawater desalination, further enhancing Morocco's agricultural capabilities.
As reported by bladi.net.
