New Moroccan export quota halves tomato price on the domestic market

Morocco is imposing quotas on tomato exports in an effort to boost local supply and lower prices ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan. Rising input prices, pest pressure and persistent drought have combined to hamper production of the world's fourth-largest tomato shipper. The restrictions on Moroccan packers could exacerbate production shortages, which have already led to rationing in some European supermarkets. "The Moroccan government has decided to limit the export of tomatoes to all foreign destinations by applying a daily export quota," says Asmaa Baibane, export manager of BL Agri. "Packing stations and exporters were informed of this decision on Sunday, February 19, with immediate effect for an indefinite period. It is intended to protect Moroccan consumers from the increase in tomato prices. Exporters have been informed that the new export quotas will remain in place until prices return to a normal average." "The decision does not affect all tomato varieties, but only ...