Rabat, August 10, 2025 – The Europe Today: Morocco’s watermelon exports to France have surged dramatically over the past decade, recording a 155% increase between 2015 and 2024, according to data shared by agriculture-focused platform Hortoinfo and compiled from COMTRADE statistics.
Figures show that Moroccan watermelon shipments to France rose from 23.96 million kilograms in 2015 to 61.13 million kilograms in 2024. The United Kingdom imported 9.94 million kilograms of Moroccan watermelon last year, while Spain purchased 28.7 million kilograms.
The export growth comes despite Morocco facing severe drought conditions for at least six consecutive agricultural seasons. Watermelons, classified as a water-intensive crop, require approximately 1–2 inches of water per week during their development phase.
In response to persistent water stress, the Moroccan government has launched a series of measures to promote the rational use of water resources. These include nationwide awareness campaigns, the cancellation of the Eid Al Adha sacrifice ritual, and a ban on the slaughter of female sheep and goats to safeguard herd reproduction.
Recent studies have underscored the gravity of Morocco’s drought challenge. Research conducted by the U.S.-based National Drought Mitigation Center, in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, identified Morocco among the hardest-hit countries in the Mediterranean basin. The findings note that dry weather patterns have persisted since the early 1900s and are expected to intensify, with Morocco projected to become increasingly arid over the 21st century.
