MOROCCO – Morocco has halted tomato exports to European and African markets after domestic prices rose to nearly 15 dirhams per kilogram (US$1.50 per kg), a trade source told Hespress. The move is aimed at increasing local supply and easing pressure on consumers, as wholesale prices have dropped significantly following the intervention. The source said the decision was taken by the autonomous body responsible for monitoring and coordinating exports under the Agriculture Ministry, although no official announcement was immediately available. Following the suspension, wholesale prices in southern markets fell sharply, with a box of tomatoes dropping from about 350 dirhams (US$35) to around 100 dirhams (US$10), a reduction of approximately 70%. When a major supplier such as Morocco restricts tomato shipments to Europe and African markets, buyers in those markets face immediate supply gaps, potentially turning to Spain, the Netherlands, or Turkey for replacement volumes. This shift can ...