Morocco: tomato price drops to 13 DH after export halt

The price of tomatoes has fallen to around 13 dirhams (DH) per kilogram on Moroccan markets, after reaching 17 DH in some markets in recent days, according to a government source cited by Al3omk, which also expects prices to fall further in the coming days as supply improves and seasonal production picks up.

The same source said the earlier rise in tomato prices reported by WaFinkom a few days ago was due to temporary weather factors, linked to a delay in harvesting early tomatoes in the Souss-Massa region because of lower temperatures since October, while the reference wholesale price on the Inezgane market held steady at around 6.7 DH/kg. The official data is up to date as of 5 November 2026.

Export licenses to Africa halted

The decline follows a decision by Moroccan authorities to stop issuing new export licenses for vegetables and fruit to African countries, according to a source close to the matter cited by Al3omk. The measure took effect at midnight on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, after professionals in the sector were notified around 8:30pm; trucks that already hold valid licenses can continue exporting normally, with only the issuing of new licenses to unlicensed trucks suspended.

Another government source confirmed to Reuters, in remarks carried by Hespress, that it is "a temporary measure aimed at regulating the domestic market and ensuring supply stability," adding that exports to African markets will resume soon and that the decision does not cover higher-priced tomatoes destined for the European market, which takes the largest share of Morocco's tomato exports.

What did the finance minister say?

Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister of Economy, Finance and Public Administration Reform, said the government is moving to regulate food exports as part of efforts to tackle rising prices on the domestic market, adding that Fatima Zahra Mansouri's government will set up six regional companies across the Kingdom's major farming basins to restructure agricultural distribution chains, tackle speculation and keep prices in check.

Will the price really drop for shoppers?

Consumer advocates, however, are doubtful that restricting exports alone will be enough to lower prices. Bouazza El Kharrati, head of the Moroccan Federation for Consumer Rights, told Hespress that "restricting exports alone does not guarantee lower prices unless that is reflected in the final price," adding that the planned regional companies "raise concerns about replacing many middlemen with a single intermediary who controls prices."

Hassan Ait Ali, head of the Moroccan Observatory for Consumer Protection, said the impact "depends on the volume involved, the state of production, transport and marketing costs, and how the distribution channels operate," calling on the government to "officially and precisely clarify which products are covered, and for how long and over what scope."

Other food prices this week

The government is counting on various vegetables and fruits entering their peak seasonal production in the coming days, which could boost supply on domestic markets and ease the pressure on citizens' purchasing power.