Algerian Deglet Nour exporters are facing an impasse: "The Moroccan market, one of our main targets, is totally inaccessible. We've resigned ourselves to not exporting to Morocco this season," Ahmed Mayof, an Algerian date exporter, says.
Relations between the two countries have been tense for several years, ending in August 2021 with Algeria's announcement of the severance of diplomatic relations with Morocco. A month later, Algeria banned Moroccan aircraft from its airspace. In January 2024, Algerian banks stopped accepting contracts for goods coming in or transiting from Morocco.
Mayof adds, "We see that Moroccan demand for dates is very high this year, but we're helpless. The political situation prevents us from exporting to this market. We can't even start any shipment procedures since the banks are refusing contracts."
On Moroccan social media, calls to boycott Algerian dates are getting louder as Ramadan approaches. These calls are amplified by many mainstream newspapers.
"It's also impossible to re-export to Morocco through Tunisia, which used to be done. Tunisian customs prevent the entry of Algerian deglet nour dates to protect their local production," Mayof continues.
"We're counting on other markets this season for the Ramadan 2025 deglet nour campaign, such as the United Arab Emirates, France, and Spain. The export campaign starts in five days by air freight", the exporter adds.
Algerian production of deglet nour, the country's flagship date variety, is satisfactory, according to Mayof. "Volumes are slightly down on last season due to weather conditions, but quality is consistent for the majority of volumes," he concludes.
For more information:
Ahmed Mayof
Greenlobale
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