Morocco: Onion exports to African markets resume, tomatoes and potatoes remain restricted

• Morocco resumes onion exports to African markets.
• Tomato and potato export curbs remain in place.

Moroccan authorities have reopened onion exports to African markets, allowing exporters to resume shipments after restrictions were eased around a week ago. The decision enables exporters to restart onion shipments to destinations across the continent.

However, restrictions on tomato and potato exports remain in place. Industry participants said exporters have not yet received any official explanation from the authorities regarding the continued exclusion of the two commodities.

Rosso route remains under pressure

The resumption of onion exports comes as Moroccan transport operators continue to face challenges at the Rosso border crossing between Mauritania and Senegal, which has become a key transit route for goods heading to West African markets.

Exporters have increasingly shifted to the Rosso corridor after moving away from the traditional transport route through Mali due to persistent security concerns and armed unrest in the country.

Industry representatives have repeatedly highlighted congestion at the Rosso crossing, citing inadequate infrastructure and limited ferry capacity as the main causes of delays.

Growing truck movement strains ferry operations

The increasing number of Moroccan trucks using the Rosso crossing has placed considerable pressure on ferry operations between the two banks of the Senegal River. The ferries are used for both freight transport and passenger services, adding to congestion at the border crossing.

For several years, Mali served as the main gateway for Moroccan exports to sub-Saharan Africa, providing relatively smooth access to regional markets. However, continued instability has forced transport operators to adopt alternative routes despite the logistical challenges.

Industry participants continue to expect an improvement in the security situation in Mali, which could reduce pressure on the Rosso border crossing and facilitate trade with the rest of the African continent.

Outlook

Morocco’s decision to resume onion exports is expected to support shipments to African markets. However, the continued restrictions on tomato and potato exports, congestion at the Rosso border crossing, and the security situation in Mali are expected to remain key factors influencing export logistics and trade flows in the near term.