HIBAPRESS – Abdellatif Baraka
Moroccan authorities have announced the suspension of frozen sardine exports, starting February 1st, with the aim of maintaining balance in the national market and containing the price increase that this essential commodity for Moroccan families has witnessed.
The decision comes after a noticeable decline in supply, which has led to direct pressure on consumer prices. The Secretary of State in charge of Fisheries, Zakia Deriouch, revealed that surface fish, primarily sardines, represent about 80% of coastal fish resources, while white fish make up only 20%. Official data indicates that sardine quantities in Morocco decreased by 46% during the year 2024, settling at approximately 525,000 tons. This move comes in the context of concerns about illegal fishing and the depletion of stocks, as the fish canning industry had previously demanded urgent measures to ensure supply stability and protect the national industry, reflecting the impact of the fisheries sector on the economy and local prices.
