The Decrease in Moroccan Courgette Exports to the EU Benefited Almeria's Producers

Why It Matters

The shift reshapes profit margins for Spanish horticulture, highlighting how geopolitical supply changes can rapidly alter EU vegetable pricing and growers’ earnings.

Key Takeaways

• Moroccan courgette shipments fell 27% YoY, ending early April.
• Almeria courgette prices dropped from €3/kg to under €0.40/kg.
• 77% of Almeria's courgette crop already harvested.
• Moroccan tomato exports rose 0.5% to 249,000 tons.
• Almeria tomato prices rebounded above €2/kg for branch varieties.

Pulse Analysis

Morocco’s reduced courgette shipments reflect a broader trend of shifting agricultural trade flows within the EU. The North African producer, traditionally a key winter supplier, curtailed exports after a delayed harvest, sending only about 25,500 tons to European markets—roughly half its authorized quota. This contraction eased supply‑side pressure on Spanish growers, especially those in Almería, a region famed for high‑yield zucchini production. Converting the price swing, growers moved from roughly $3.30 per kilo in January to under $0.44 per kilo as the market flooded with domestic harvests.

For Almería’s horticultural sector, the timing proved critical. With 77% of the courgette crop already in the field, growers faced a classic supply‑demand squeeze: early‑year scarcity drove prices up, but the subsequent bumper harvest forced a steep decline. The rapid price erosion compresses profit margins, compelling producers to seek cost efficiencies, explore value‑added processing, or pivot to higher‑margin varieties. The season’s trajectory also underscores the importance of weather patterns; a cold spell in January temporarily throttled output, inflating prices before the heat accelerated growth.

The tomato market tells a slightly different story. Moroccan tomato exports nudged higher, adding 0.5% to the EU supply, yet Almería’s premium branch and pear tomatoes have rebounded above €2 (~$2.18) per kilogram, outpacing the broader price trend. This suggests that niche, quality‑focused segments can retain pricing power even when bulk commodities face oversupply. As the harvest season winds down, Almería growers will monitor both domestic yields and North African competition to gauge final profitability, while EU buyers may recalibrate sourcing strategies based on these evolving price signals.