• Morocco exported 64,900 tons of onions in 2024/2025, nearly five times more than the previous year.

• Export revenues jumped to $238 million, up from $38 million a year earlier.

• West Africa remained the main buyer, while the UAE entered as a new market.

Morocco shipped 64,900 tons of fresh onions to international markets in the 2024/2025 season, according to data from EastFruit. The figure is nearly five times higher than the 13,500 tons exported the previous year, setting a new record for the industry.

The sharp increase followed the lifting in summer 2024 of an export ban to West African countries, which had been in place for over a year. The restriction, imposed by Morocco Foodex, was aimed at stabilizing domestic supply during shortages caused by severe drought in key growing areas.

Another factor was a government subsidy program that ran from October 2023 to May 2025, making onion seeds more accessible to farmers. The measure was part of broader efforts to counter the impact of drought and revive production.

The export boom also boosted revenues. Morocco’s onion industry earned $238 million in 2024/2025, almost six times more than the $38 million recorded a year earlier, EastFruit reported.

West Africa remained the top market, with Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire together accounting for 73% of purchases. The United Arab Emirates also emerged as a new destination, importing 5,500 tons, equal to 8.5% of Morocco’s total onion exports.

The key challenge for the next season will be sustaining these levels despite persistent drought and the withdrawal of subsidy programs.