Morocco Becomes EU's Top Tomato Supplier, Sparking Tensions with Spain
Morocco has become the European Union's leading tomato supplier, a development that has sparked tensions with Spain. Spanish producers are denouncing unfair competition and demanding protective measures.
The latest move: the Coordination of Spanish Agricultural and Livestock Organizations (COAG) has announced its intention to file a complaint with the EU Court of Auditors for tax fraud. The organization accuses Moroccan tomato importers of exceeding the authorized quota, causing a €71.7 million loss to Spain.
The success of Moroccan tomatoes can be attributed to lower production costs, a favorable climate, and an advantageous customs regime. The energy crisis has also weakened Spain's competitiveness.
The figures are telling: during the 2022/2023 campaign, Morocco exported 539,307 tons of tomatoes to the EU. And the trend is accelerating: exports have increased by 42.5% over the first two months of the 2024/2025 campaign.
