In-shell almonds market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

Moroccan in-shell almond production began at 117.3 thousand tons in 2018, bolstered by the Plan Maroc Vert agricultural initiative which expanded cultivation areas and supported cooperatives. However, the market encountered pressure from illegal South American almond imports, contributing to a decline to 102.2 thousand tons in 2019. In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic reducing global demand and lowering prices, domestic output rebounded to 134.4 thousand tons as sustained government policies continued to drive production growth.

The upward trend continued in 2021, with production reaching 169.3 thousand tons, partially fueled by investments in local processing infrastructure, including two almond crushing units built in Taza province to enhance value addition. Output further increased to 175.8 thousand tons in 2022, supported by rising national production that reduced import dependence. By 2023, however, production fell to 146.5 thousand tons, leading to a contraction in market volume.

Production in-shell almonds in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco ranked as the world's sixth-largest producer of in-shell almonds.

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Morocco produced 134.4 thousand tons of in-shell almonds, marking a 31.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 15%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 102.2 thousand tons, which represented a decline of 12.9% from the previous year.

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

Exports in-shell almonds from Morocco

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 16-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Morocco exported 246 kilograms of in-shell almonds, which was 92.2% lower than in 2019. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 155 kilograms, representing an increase of 1 451.7% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Morocco's in-shell almond exports were Italy, accounting for 64.9% of exports by volume, Mauritania with 11.3%, and the United Arab Emirates at 8.3%. Together, these three countries represented 84.5% 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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. There was a 42-fold variation between the minimum value in 2018 and the maximum in 2019. In 2020, Morocco's foreign supplies of in-shell almonds reached 1.2 thousand US dollars, which was 90.1% lower than in 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 12.3 thousand US dollars, reflecting an increase of 4 090.8% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France led the export structure by value with a 52.5% share, followed by Italy at 19.0% and Mauritania at 14.6%. These three countries together accounted for 86.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports in-shell almonds to Morocco

Imports in kind, kg

Market performance displayed significant fluctuations during these years. Import levels varied widely, with a 68-fold gap between the trough in 2017 and the peak in 2018. In 2020, Morocco's imports of in-shell almonds amounted to 14 098 kilograms, which was 499.4% higher than the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 41 504 kilograms, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 94.3% drop. The most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 6 677.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Morocco in kind, 2017-2020, kg

During the 2017-2020 period, in-shell almond imports to Morocco were almost entirely supplied by the United States, which accounted for 97.8% of total imports by volume.

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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values fluctuated 58-fold between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Morocco's imported in-shell almond volumes reached 72.3 thousand US dollars, representing an 826.1% increase compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 185.9 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline of 95.8% occurred in 2019. The most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 5 738.9%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the import structure by value was dominated by a single market: the United States, which held a 97.5% share of total flows.

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

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