For the second year, watermelon exports from Morocco have exhibited a downturn, with data from EastFruit indicating a descent to 113.5 thousand tons, amounting to $96 million in the initial ten months of 2024. This volume represents the lowest recorded since 2017. Given the export window spans from March to October, it's inferred the season has likely wrapped up for the year.
The repercussions of this downturn are evident as Morocco is poised to exit the top ten global exporters of watermelons by year-end, diverging from its top-five streak from 2020 to 2023. The decline in exports is attributed to an unparalleled drought in the country, impacting production levels significantly. The drought has precipitated restrictions and outright bans on watermelon cultivation in specific locales, notably the Tata province where cultivation has ceased entirely. The scarcity of water resources has culminated in a diminished harvest.
Despite the decline in export volumes, the pattern of export destinations in 2024 remains consistent with prior years. France, absorbing half of the exports, continues to be a primary market alongside Spain, which accounts for nearly a quarter. The United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands also remain key importers, contributing to the list of 25 countries receiving over a thousand tons of Moroccan watermelons in 2024.
Source: East Fruit