Morocco continues to broaden its avocado export portfolio, achieving a record-breaking volume to Canada this season, according to EastFruit. Citing Global Trade Tracker data from Statistics Canada, Moroccan avocado exports to Canada during the first 10 months of MY 2024/25 (July to June) reached 1.18 thousand tons, with a total value of $3.7 million. Considering that previous exports in this direction were limited and never exceeded 70 tons per season, this milestone is particularly significant.
Canada represents a new market for Moroccan avocados. Shipments this season spanned from December through March, peaking in January and February, with monthly exports surpassing 400 tons.
Mexico remains Canada’s primary source of avocados, accounting for more than 93% of total imports. Mexican shipments range between 6,000 and 9,000 tons per month, typically peaking during the winter months. However, this season, Mexican avocado exports faced two major challenges.
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Firstly, excessive rainfall in the summer of 2024 led to a decrease in avocado production and adversely impacted the quality and size of the fruit. According to local market sources cited in the FAO Major Tropical Fruits Market Review, Mexico’s avocado production fell by 20% between January and August 2024.
Secondly, since a large share of Mexican avocados destined for Canada transits through the U.S., the aggressive tariff stance of President Trump – including a threatened 25% import duty on Mexican goods in early 2025 – introduced considerable uncertainty. While these tariffs were not ultimately enforced, heightened customs scrutiny and potential delays may have prompted Canadian importers to reduce orders.
As a result, Mexico’s avocado exports – Canada-bound included – declined. From December through March, Mexico shipped 2,500 tons less to Canada compared to the same period the previous year. This shortfall created unmet demand in Canada, paving the way for alternative suppliers – including Morocco.
In January 2025, Morocco emerged as Canada’s second-largest avocado supplier with 409 tons exported. In February and March, it ranked behind only Mexico and Colombia, delivering 436 and 313 tons, respectively. These shipments helped alleviate nearly half of the seasonal supply gap.
Morocco’s avocado exports to Canada this season reflect a strategic push to diversify target markets and bolster its global market position. This success underscores the adaptability of Moroccan exporters, who capitalized on a timely opportunity amid changing international trade dynamics.
Learn more about Morocco’s avocado export diversification efforts into additional markets in this article.
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