Morocco is doing well in the globalization of markets and the intensification of trade. Today, the Kingdom has established itself as a key player in the fisheries sector, particularly in the export of sardines to the European Union (EU). A recent study, commissioned by the European Parliament’s Directorate-General for Internal Policies at the request of the Fisheries Committee, highlighted Morocco’s predominant position as the main supplier of this prized fish.
Entitled “Options for strengthening the competitiveness of the fishing and mariculture sector in the European Union”, this in-depth analysis of trade flows of fishery products between the EU and third countries reveals that the value of Moroccan exports of fish to the EU reached the impressive total of 1.61 billion euros in 2022. This figure places Morocco third among exporting countries after Norway and China, thus highlighting its crucial role in European supply in seafood products.
The considerable increase in European imports of fishery and aquaculture products, which increased by 157 percent between 2008 and 2022, can be explained by several economic factors such as inflation, rising transport costs and the fall of the euro against certain foreign currencies. This trend reflects not only changes in consumption habits but also the challenges facing the European fishing sector.
Sardines, in particular, are Morocco’s most imported species, accounting for 93 percent of sardine imports from non-EU countries. Besides sardines, Morocco also exports other significant species such as squid, anchovies and tuna, thus diversifying its offer and strengthening its position in the market.
The study highlights the growing dependence of the European market on imports of fish products and recommends increased coordination between EU trade and fisheries policies. This coordination is particularly crucial when negotiating trade agreements that include provisions relating to fisheries, in order to ensure sustainable management of marine resources and protect the interests of European fishermen.
Furthermore, the study calls for a rigorous assessment of the economic and social impact of free trade agreements on the fishing and aquaculture sector in Europe. It recommends the adoption of preventive measures to mitigate the potential negative effects of these agreements, thus ensuring the sustainability and resilience of the sector in the face of international trade dynamics.
Morocco, thanks to its targeted export strategy and its ability to meet the quality standards required by the EU, continues to strengthen its hold on the sardine market, while contributing significantly to the maritime economy overall.
