Morocco imported 21,600 metric tons of fresh
onions worth $9.4 million between July 2025 and April 2026, becoming a net importer after years as an exporter, according to figures reported by agricultural news outlet EastFruit.
The imported volume was nearly eight times higher than the previous comparable level. The Netherlands supplied about 60% of imports, Spain accounted for roughly one-third, and France provided about 5%.
Imports accelerated sharply during the period. Morocco imported more than 14,500 metric tons in April alone, compared with about 500 metric tons in January.
A sharp reversal
The import surge marks a significant turnaround for Morocco's onion industry.
During the 2024/2025 marketing season, Morocco nearly quintupled its onion exports from a year earlier after lifting export restrictions to West Africa between June and August 2024.
According to EastFruit, the country exported about 64,900 metric tons of fresh onions during that season.
However, adverse weather conditions subsequently hit major producing areas, including Tamehdit, Fez and Meknes, as well as other production zones.
Drought, irregular rainfall and repeated heatwaves reduced yields and weakened bulb quality, leading to a sharp decline in production.
The supply shortage intensified because producers continued exporting higher-quality onions, particularly to West African markets.
As a result, export shipments reduced domestic inventories more quickly, even as local production remained below normal levels.
Consequently, domestic onion prices increased sharply, making imports necessary to stabilize the market and prevent a prolonged surge in food prices.
A sector caught between potential and structural vulnerabilities
The market reversal highlights the structural vulnerabilities of one of Morocco's most important horticultural industries.
Morocco produces between 700,000 and 900,000 metric tons of onions annually on cultivated areas ranging from 25,000 to 30,000 hectares.
Onions rank as the country's second-largest vegetable crop after potatoes.
As imports continue to rise, industry observers say Morocco will need to strengthen the sector's resilience through investments in climate-adapted technologies and improved onion varieties.
They also recommend better water management, farming practices that can withstand water stress, and expanded storage and preservation infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.
Such investments could help Morocco regain and sustainably maintain its position as a net exporter of onions.
