Morocco's onion export strategy has shifted its focus to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to EastFruit. In 2024, Moroccan exporters dispatched over 5,500 tons of onions to the UAE, valued at $1.1 million, marking a new milestone in bilateral trade.
Historically, Moroccan onions were predominantly exported to African nations and the Netherlands, with other destinations receiving less than a thousand tons. The initial shipment to the UAE occurred in 2009, with a modest 500 kg, and reached 450 tons by 2013. However, in 2024, exports surged over tenfold compared to the cumulative shipments of the previous five years.
The UAE represented nearly 10% of Morocco's annual onion export framework, ranking just behind Mauritania and Côte d'Ivoire. Overall, Morocco distributed onions to 31 countries in 2024.
India, the leading global onion exporter, was the UAE's primary supplier. However, a rise in Indian domestic onion prices in 2024 led to an export ban by the Indian government. This prompted the UAE to diversify its onion sources, allowing Moroccan traders to expand their market presence. By year's end, Morocco was among the top eight onion suppliers to the UAE, capturing a 1.8% market share. In total, onions were imported into the UAE from 30 countries during 2024.
Source: EastFruit