Egypt, Morocco eye untapped potential in Eastern Europe for fresh produce

EGYPT/MOROCCO – The untapped potential of Egypt and Morocco’s fruit and vegetable exports to Eastern Europe presents new opportunities for both nations, according to a recent study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The report highlights the existing presence of Egyptian and Moroccan produce in countries like Poland, Romania, and Ukraine but stresses that the full potential of these markets is far from being realized.

The study emphasizes Poland as the most critical market in the region for Egypt and Morocco. Known for its high import volumes and well-developed logistics, Poland is a key hub for distributing fresh produce across Eastern Europe.

“Poland is a major driver of market development in the region. Its ability to connect suppliers with multiple countries makes it a top priority for both Egyptian and Moroccan exporters,” said the report.

Romania, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic form a second tier of priority markets, each with unique challenges. For example, Ukraine’s ongoing conflict has disrupted trade flows, while Romania still lacks modern trade channels.

The Czech Republic, although smaller, remains a promising market for fresh produce imports. The report also mentioned smaller countries like Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, noting that while these markets are developed, their size and indirect trade routes make them less of a priority.

Egypt and Morocco have already made significant strides in the Eastern European market with products like Egyptian oranges, potatoes, and garlic, as well as Moroccan tomatoes and blueberries.

However, there is still much room for growth, particularly in relatively new or booming segments. The study identified fresh berries during the off-season, frozen berries year-round, and avocados as key opportunities with untapped consumption potential.

“Fresh berries and avocados are seeing rapid growth in these markets, especially in the offseason when local production is low,” the report noted.

Other products with significant growth potential include melons, watermelons, garlic, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. These commodities have a growing demand but remain under-supplied, creating a gap for Egyptian and Moroccan exporters to fill.

In related news, updated information on import duties for Moroccan strawberries and tomatoes in the European Union has been released. Under the Morocco-EU Association Agreement, Moroccan strawberries are exempt from import duties between November 1 and March 31, with no limitation on quantities.

In April, the quota is capped at 3,600 tonnes with a 0% import duty, and in May, the tariff reduction is set at 50%, capped at 1,000 tonnes.

For tomatoes, Morocco benefits from a tariff exemption under a quota of 285,000 tonnes between October and May. Outside this quota, a 60% tariff reduction applies, with specific tariffs in place for the rest of the year.

These updated figures highlight the favorable trade conditions for Moroccan exports, particularly during peak production seasons.

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