Morocco temporarily blocks tomato exports to African markets but keeps higher-priced European shipments flowing as costs push prices above $1.30 at home

The measure took effect after exporters serving African destinations were informed that new shipments would be paused. European exports, where Moroccan tomatoes command higher prices, were exempted.

This means the government is protecting Morocco’s more lucrative European trade while limiting supplies sent to other African countries during the domestic shortage.

Tomato prices recently exceeded MAD12 ($1.30) per kilogram in some Moroccan retail markets, while wholesale prices reached as much as MAD9 per kilogram in Casablanca.

Reuters reported⁠ that Lahoucine Aderdour, head of Morocco’s Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, confirmed the temporary pause. A government source said exports would resume soon but did not provide a date.

A separate Moroccan report provides an important qualification to the measure.

La Relève said the authorities had suspended the issue of new export permits for fruit and vegetable shipments to African countries, rather than ordering every already-authorised truck to stop.

Trucks holding valid permits could therefore continue operating, according to the report. Export businesses were reportedly informed on November 4, with the suspension taking effect at midnight.

No official timeframe has been announced. Future approvals are expected to depend on domestic supply and prices.

Lower productivity in Souss-Massa, Morocco’s principal tomato-growing region, has tightened supplies.

Farmers and traders have also cited plant disease, delayed harvests and rising fertiliser and fuel expenses. Diesel prices increased again at the beginning of November, adding to the cost of moving produce between farms, wholesale centres and retailers.

Moroccan producers dispute claims that exports alone caused the shortage. They argue that foreign sales provide the income needed to absorb rising production costs and maintain supplies.

However, Finance Minister Fouzi Lekjaa said the government would regulate food exports to reduce domestic prices. Government spokesperson Samir Belfquih said Morocco’s priority was “food sovereignty”, although he did not directly confirm the export decision.

Morocco is the European Union’s second-largest external tomato supplier, giving the country a valuable market close to its northern border.

Its African tomato trade is smaller and largely moves overland. Restricting that segment is therefore less financially damaging to exporters than disrupting European contracts.

The decision nevertheless transfers part of Morocco’s domestic food-price pressure to African importers that depend on its produce.

Morocco’s agricultural exports increased by 4.3% during the first nine months of 2026 to MAD33.1 billion ($3.4 billion), demonstrating the sector’s importance to export earnings even as households face higher food bills.

The government has retained transport subsidies and plans to establish regional distribution companies to reduce intermediaries. But until production recovers, Morocco is prioritising domestic consumers without surrendering its higher-value position in Europe.