Moroccan fruit exports are facing headwinds due to a series of disruptions, including unfavorable weather and increased competition, though the nation is finding success in the U.S. Market. Consecutive delays to the Moroccan growing season, caused by heat waves, storms, and flooding, have impacted exporters’ ability to capitalize on peak sales windows.
According to reports, the harvest peak now coincides with a global oversupply, leading to sluggish sales in traditional markets. In Europe, the market is currently saturated, and Morocco is facing new competition from countries like Egypt.
The situation is further complicated by shifting dynamics in Russia, where buyers are increasingly turning to China for larger-sized blueberries at competitive prices. “The Russian buyers are turning to China, which has the capacity to export jumbo blueberries of caliber 22+ at prices we cannot match,” one operator noted.
Rising transportation costs and disruptions to air logistics since the beginning of March are also exacerbating the challenges. Despite these difficulties, Moroccan exporters have been able to leverage trade barriers impacting Latin American suppliers to gain a foothold in the American market.
Exporters from the Kingdom have quickly met the stringent requirements of U.S. Buyers, including the health standards set by the FDA. This success is built on a reliable supply chain and a responsive ecosystem.
The high quality of Moroccan fruit is helping to offset logistical complexities and secure sustainable market share across the Atlantic. Morocco recently achieved a record high for blueberry exports to the United States.
