Algerian date exporters are currently grappling with a blockade imposed by Morocco. «The Moroccan market, one of our main targets, is totally inaccessible», Ahmed Mayof, an Algerian date exporter, told Fresh Plaza. «We've resigned ourselves to not exporting to Morocco this season», he added. Mayof explained that despite high demand for dates in Morocco this year, exporters find themselves powerless due to the political situation. «We can't even start any shipment procedures since the banks are refusing contracts», he lamented. On August 24, 2021, Algeria severed diplomatic ties with Morocco, complicating export routes. «It's also impossible to re-export to Morocco through Tunisia, which used to be done. Tunisian customs prevent the entry of Algerian deglet nour dates to protect their local production», Mayof continued, as Algeria approaches a crucial high season for deglet nour dates, coinciding with Ramadan. In the backdrop of these tensions, a campaign advocating the boycott of Algerian dates has been circulating on Moroccan social media, fueled by the ongoing diplomatic rift between the two nations. This situation has seemingly boosted the popularity of Egyptian and Tunisian dates, which are considered quality alternatives. As Ramadan approaches in March, imports have surged to record levels. By the end of December 2024, Morocco had become the primary destination for 19.7% of Tunisia's date exports, significantly outpacing Italy at 7.5% and Turkey at 6.8%. «Driven by Moroccan demand, Tunisian exports increased by 11.4% in revenue by the end of December 2024, reaching 342.2 million dinars (MD)», according to the National Agriculture Observatory (ONAGRI). In 2023, Morocco was the world's second-largest importer of dates, following India. Dates remain the top category of imported fruits and vegetables in the country, despite a rise in domestic production. The primary sources of these imports include the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.
