Morocco has overtaken the US to become the third top raspberry exporter in the world, according to new data from EastFruit, an agriculture news outlet.
Morocco’s exports of raspberries more than doubled over the past five agricultural seasons, the site specified. The country’s exporters sold about 35,000 tonnes of their products in the first eight months of 2022/2023.
“Despite a slight decline in exports in February 2023, the country still has every chance to set a new record in fresh raspberry exports over the whole MY 2022/3,” the agriculture-focused website added.
Last year, Morocco exported 56,000 tonnes of fresh raspberries against 50,000 tonnes by the US.
“There were only two countries who managed to ship more fresh raspberries than Morocco did,” the data added.
Spain tops the list of raspberry exports with 72,000 tonnes shipments, followed by Mexico with 112,000 tonnes.
In the 2021-2022 season, Morocco exported over 50,000 tonnes of fresh raspberries.
In addition to raspberries, blueberries were also a major part of Morocco’s exports, reaching 52,000 tonnes in the 2021-2022 season.
Last year, according to the same data, Morocco positioned itself as the fourth largest exporter of blueberries in the world.
Morocco’s intensified exports of goods has triggered criticism and frustration from local clients, and observers who raised concerns about water challenges and the country’s domestic prices crisis.
In addition to raspberries and blueberries, Morocco intensively exported other products like tomatoes.
New data shows that Morocco came out as the third global tomato exporter, overtaking both Iran and Spain.
The exports directly affect Morocco’s national market, which has been witnessing soaring prices.
The situation angered citizens, who have been calling on the government to halt exports to meet local demand.
