Honey market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

The Moroccan honey market volume grew from 10 641 t in 2018 to a peak of 12 108 t in 2020, supported by the government's Plan Maroc Vert which financed modern beekeeping equipment and cooperatives, expanding the number of beekeepers and hives. This increase in domestic production was accompanied by a reduction in import duties from 40% to 2.5% in 2020, which spurred higher imports and contributed to the overall market expansion.

Market volume declined to 11 445 t in 2021 as domestic output fell, a trend highlighted by industry warnings during Ramadan when tightening supply pressured prices. The volume further decreased to 10 889 t in 2022, primarily due to lower imports, while domestic production remained steady under continued PMV support for hive distribution.

A recovery to 11 870 t occurred in 2023, coinciding with the adoption of a new organic honey decree that banned excessive heating and mandated 'Miel du Maroc' labeling to ensure quality and traceability. In 2024, Morocco gained official authorization to export honey to the EU, opening new market opportunities for the sector.

Production honey in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Honey production in Morocco has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Morocco produced 8 000 tons of honey, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 33.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports honey from Morocco

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The period saw a trough in 2017 and a peak in 2018, with a 14-fold amplitude between these years. In 2020, Morocco's honey export volume was recorded at 34 tons, reflecting a rise of 304.0% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 53 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 84.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 1 298.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar were the main markets for Morocco's honey exports in kind. India accounted for 45.3% of exports, Saudi Arabia for 30.5%, and Qatar for 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented 87.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2018, export volumes varied 2.2 times. In 2020, honey exports from Morocco amounted to 238 thousand US dollars, reflecting a decline of 12.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 274 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 122.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia were the main destinations for Morocco's honey exports in value terms. France accounted for 35.2% of exports, Qatar for 20.5%, and Saudi Arabia for 12.8%. Combined, these three countries made up 68.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Morocco in value, 2017-2020

Imports honey to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2 times. In 2020, Morocco imported a total of honey, indicating a gain of 70.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 25.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for honey imports in kind to Morocco were India, Argentina, and China. India accounted for 26.2% of imports, Argentina for 22.0%, and China for 20.1%. Together, these three countries represented 68.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. A 2.1-fold variation was noted between the minimum in 2017 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, Morocco's honey imports amounted to 9 282 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp improvement of 81.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 27.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017 to 2020, Argentina, India, and Egypt headed the ranking of suppliers of honey to Morocco in value terms. Argentina accounted for 23.1% of imports, India for 20.1%, and Egypt for 17.7%. Their combined share reached 61.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Morocco in value, 2017-2020