Plums and sloes market in Morocco

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Morocco's plum and sloe market reached a production peak of 205.2 thousand tons, driven by the Plan Maroc Vert which expanded planted areas and modernized the sector. The country became the world's ninth-largest producer, supported by significant investment in the drying industry and the introduction of new local and late-season varieties to improve shelf life and diversity. However, in 2019, the market volume dropped to 151.2 thousand tons, and further to 143.0 thousand tons in 2020, even as health-conscious consumption trends began opening new markets for plums and berries.

The market recovered in 2021 to 177.6 thousand tons and stabilized at 178.5 thousand tons in 2022. By 2023, it saw a slight decline to 176.1 thousand tons, coinciding with a reported slump in domestic dried plum production and a surge in imports, which reduced demand for fresh plums destined for processing.

Production plums and sloes in Morocco

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco ranked 12th globally in the production of plums and sloes.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

Plums and sloes production in Morocco declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 143.5 thousand tonnes, marking a modest drop of 5.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 20%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.2%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 205.2 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 26.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 14.4%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Morocco

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decrease, plums and sloes exports from Morocco rebounded. In 2020, Morocco exported 538.5 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 25.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -5.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 430.3 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 29.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mauritania, Senegal, and Mali were consistently the main destinations for plums and sloes exports in kind. Mauritania accounted for 41.8% of exports, Senegal for 36.0%, and Mali for 6.6%, together making up 84.4% of total 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

Following a two-year decline, plums and sloes export values from Morocco increased. In 2020, Morocco exported 299.0 thousand US dollars worth of plums and sloes, showing a steep gain of 38.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 29%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 216.1 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 35.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading destinations for plums and sloes exports in value terms from Morocco were Mauritania, Senegal, and the United Arab Emirates. Mauritania accounted for 35.5% of exports, Senegal for 27.6%, and the UAE for 9.8%, jointly representing 72.9% of total 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 plums and sloes to Morocco

Imports in kind, t

The market for plums and sloes imports into Morocco showed volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 51.5 tonnes and peaked in 2017, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 65.4 tonnes, which is 35.2% lower than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 60.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 96.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were highly concentrated, with Spain and South Africa together accounting for 87.4% of total flows, while other partners had minimal shares.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment for plums and sloes imports in value terms. Imports dropped to their lowest in 2018 at 56.6 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2017, with a 3.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 64.1 thousand US dollars, which is 40.2% lower year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 69.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 89.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain and South Africa were the core markets for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 88.3% of total flows, with other destinations holding comparatively modest shares.

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

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