Morocco's fresh onion exports have surged to record levels following the lifting of restrictions in 2024. According to EastFruit, between June 2024 and May 2025 the country shipped 64,900 tons of onions worth $238 million, a 4.8-fold increase on the previous season and 3% above the 2022/23 record. Historically, Moroccan onion exports remained below 10,000 tons until 2013. They climbed steadily to over 20,000 tons in 2013/14, 40,000 tons by 2018/19, and topped 60,000 tons for the first time in 2022/23. But a ban imposed by Morocco Foodex in February 2023, due to rising domestic prices, slashed exports to just 13,500 tons in 2023/24. Once the ban was lifted in summer 2024, exports not only recovered but set a new all-time high. Within this record season, September alone saw 14,200 tons shipped, exceeding the total of the previous year. Strong volumes between October and January further fueled the surge. Onions now rank as Morocco's fourth-largest vegetable export, after tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. West Africa remains the main market for Morocco's onions. Mauritania doubled its imports, Côte d'Ivoire also increased purchases, while Mali and Senegal registered sharp declines. Beyond Africa, Morocco broke into the Middle East, with the UAE importing 5,500 tons, or 8.5% of total exports.
