Morocco Records Historic Growth in Fresh Onion Exports Following Ban Lift
Morocco’s onion farmers and traders are entering a promising new chapter. After a year of restrictions and setbacks, the country’s fresh onion exports not only bounced back in 2024 but reached unprecedented levels.
Data from EastFruit indicate that between June 2024 and May 2025, Morocco exported 64,900 metric tons of fresh onions valued at $238 million. This volume is nearly five times higher than the previous season and surpasses the 2022/23 record by 3%.
The rise reflects a longer-term trend. For years, Morocco’s onion exports rarely exceeded 10,000 tons. A turning point came in 2013/14, when shipments doubled to over 20,000 tons. By 2018/19, volumes had passed 40,000 tons, and in 2022/23, exports exceeded 60,000 tons for the first time. However, in February 2023, Morocco Foodex blocked onion exports to West African markets, causing volumes to collapse to 13,500 tons in the 2023/24 season. Once restrictions were lifted in summer 2024, Morocco not only recovered but exceeded previous export levels.
Onions remain one of Morocco’s signature vegetables internationally. In 2024, they ranked fourth among the country’s vegetable exports, behind tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. The season usually starts in June, with July through September as peak months. In September alone, 14,200 tons were exported—more than the entire previous season. Strong demand between October and January further shaped the record-breaking season.
West Africa continues to anchor Morocco’s onion trade. Mauritania led the imports, doubling its purchases compared to 2022/23, while Ivory Coast also increased its share. Conversely, shipments to Mali and Senegal declined sharply. Beyond Africa, a new market opened in the Gulf, with the UAE importing 5,500 tons, accounting for 8.5% of Morocco’s exports.
The rebound was not limited to onions. Morocco also returned to the potato market following the lifting of similar restrictions, signaling renewed agricultural momentum.
In less than a year, Morocco went from a collapse in exports to a record-breaking season, highlighting the resilience of its farmers and cementing the country’s position as a reliable supplier to both traditional and new markets.