Watermelon exports from Morocco have been declining for the second consecutive year, according to EastFruit. In the first 10 months of 2024, only 113.5 thousand tons of watermelons, valued at $96 million, were shipped to international markets, marking the lowest figure since 2017.
Moroccan watermelon exports primarily occur from March to October, so it is highly likely that the export season for this year has concluded.
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As a result, Morocco will not rank among the top ten global watermelon exporters by the end of the year, a significant drop from its consistent top-five position between 2020 and 2023.
The primary cause of the export decline is an unprecedented drought in Morocco, which has severely reduced production. The acute water shortage has led to restrictions and even bans on watermelon cultivation in certain regions. This includes the province of Tata, where watermelon production has been completely halted. Additionally, the overall watermelon harvest has been low due to the scarcity of water resources.
Regarding the export destinations in 2024, there have been no significant changes in the geographical distribution compared to previous years, although the volumes have decreased. Half of Morocco’s watermelons were exported to France, one of the top three global importers of this product. Slightly less than a quarter were purchased by Spain. The top five importers also include the United Kingdom (7%), Belgium (6%), and the Netherlands (5%). In total, Morocco exported batches exceeding a thousand tons to 25 countries worldwide in 2024.
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