Morocco watermelon exports decline against Spanish competition 2026
The Spanish province of Almería sold more watermelons than Morocco in the European Union between January and May 2026. Moroccan exports are declining sharply in volume, but remain better valued.
Almería shipped 96.68 million kilos of watermelons to European Union countries during the first five months of 2026, compared to 79.72 million kilos for Morocco. The Spanish province thus accounts for 23.06% of European purchases, while Morocco’s share reaches 19.02%.
On Bladi.net : Moroccan Watermelon Exports to EU Plummet 50% Amid Drought and Weak Demand
The gap widened mainly in May. Almería operators sold nearly 78 million kilos during that single month, compared to 51.87 million for their Moroccan competitors. In April, Morocco had still shipped 27.75 million kilos to the community market.
According to Hortoinfo, the volume of Moroccan watermelons sold in the European Union fell 43.92% compared to the same period in 2022. Conversely, Almería’s exports grew 29.08% over five years.
Morocco sells less, but at higher prices
Morocco’s decline in volume does not, however, translate into an equivalent drop in revenue. Morocco’s sales generated 98.29 million euros, slightly more than the 98.05 million earned by Almería despite nearly 17 million additional kilos.
This difference is explained by the average price obtained. Moroccan watermelon sold for 1.23 euros per kilo, compared to 1.01 euros for Almería’s, a price nearly 22% higher. Morocco thus loses first place in quantity, but maintains better value for its exports.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Surges Past Spain in EU Watermelon Market, Exports Soar 53%
Behind the two main suppliers, Brazil sold 44.32 million kilos of watermelons to the European Union. Costa Rica and Mauritania follow with 38.62 and 38.2 million kilos respectively.
