Morocco will halt exports of frozen sardines starting from the first of next February to protect domestic supply and contain prices.
Sardines are a staple food for families in Morocco, the world’s largest exporter of sardines thanks to its long Atlantic coastline.
The decision came after a significant drop in supply, though the duration of the ban was not specified.
It was noted that surface-dwelling fish species, such as sardines, represent about 80% of Morocco’s coastal fishery resources, while white fish constitute 20%.
In June of last year, the National Union of Fish Canning Industries called on authorities to take measures to prevent illegal fishing after reports of declining catch volumes.
According to official data, Morocco’s sardine quantities declined by 46% in 2024 to 525,000 tons.
Based on the latest available data from the World Bank’s integrated database, Morocco exported 89,000 tons of frozen sardines in 2023, generating revenues of $83 million.
South Africa, the European Union, Brazil, and Spain are among the largest importers of Moroccan sardines.
It was stated that the decision to ban frozen sardine exports will help regulate prices at an acceptable level.
It was added: “Prices are subject to supply and demand, but fish prices are relatively reasonable, considering a range of multiple factors such as weather conditions, the cost of fishing trips, the cold chain, and the profit margins of intermediaries and installment sellers.”
Agadir
Agadir is a major coastal city in Morocco, largely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960. Today, it is known primarily as a modern beach resort destination, with its history primarily reflected in the preserved ruins of the ancient Kasbah on a hill overlooking the bay.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and a series of powerful Islamic dynasties. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Amazigh, and European architectural and artistic heritage.
Atlantic coastline
The Atlantic coastline is a vast and diverse geographical feature stretching along the eastern edges of the Americas, western Europe, and Africa, shaped over millennia by geological forces and ocean currents. Historically, it has served as a crucial corridor for exploration, trade, and migration, profoundly influencing the development of the cultures and nations that border it.
South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and dramatic landscapes. Its modern history is profoundly shaped by colonialism and the institutionalized racial segregation of apartheid, which ended in 1994 with the establishment of a constitutional democracy and the election of Nelson Mandela as president.
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, formally established in 1993 by the Maastricht Treaty. It evolved from post-World War II economic cooperation initiatives, most notably the European Coal and Steel Community founded in 1951, with the core aim of fostering peace, stability, and shared prosperity across the continent.
Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, known for its vast Amazon rainforest and vibrant cultural exports like samba and football. Its modern history began with Portuguese colonization in 1500, followed by independence as an empire in 1822 and the establishment of a republic in 1889. The nation is characterized by its diverse population, a legacy of indigenous, European, and African influences.
Spain
Spain is a southwestern European country with a rich and layered history, shaped by Roman rule, Islamic Al-Andalus, the Reconquista, and its later global empire. Its cultural sites, like the Alhambra palace and the Sagrada Família basilica, reflect this diverse heritage through unique architecture and traditions.
World Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution founded in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, with its initial mission focused on the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe. Today, its primary goal is to provide loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects aimed at reducing poverty and fostering economic development.
