Moroccan imports of fruits and edible nuts have shown remarkable growth over the past decade, with avocados being one of the products that has most captured the attention of the Moroccan market. According to the Peruvian Foreign Trade Society (Comex Perú), avocado imports by Morocco have registered an average annual growth of 12% between 2019 and 2023, boosting opportunities for Peruvian exporters.

In 2023, Peruvian avocado exports to Morocco totaled US$1.5 million, representing a significant increase of 274% compared to 2022. Export volume also grew considerably, rising from 260 tons to 1,252 tons, reflecting a 382% increase. This surge in Peruvian exports reflects the growing demand for avocados in the Moroccan market.

Despite export success, Peruvian products face challenges due to high tariffs imposed by Morocco. Avocado exports, for example, face an average tariff of 32.2%, impacting the competitiveness of Peruvian products in the Moroccan market. A future trade agreement between Peru and Morocco could offer improved market access and greater competitiveness for Peruvian goods.

For its part, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur) is working to expand its portfolio of trade agreements and has begun talks with Morocco. A trade agreement would allow Peruvian products to enter the Moroccan market with preferential tariffs, benefiting both Moroccan exporters and consumers.

Importantly, Morocco has trade agreements in place with several countries worldwide. Key among these are those signed with the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates; as well as the EU-Morocco Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement and the Arab-Mediterranean Free Trade Agreement with Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia. These agreements grant preferential tariffs to their trading partners upon entering the Moroccan market. For all other countries, Morocco applies tariffs on imports with rates ranging from 2% to 200%.

In conclusion, the growth in Moroccan avocado imports represents a significant opportunity for Peruvian exporters. As demand continues to rise, it is crucial to establish trade agreements that allow Peruvian products to compete on a level playing field in the Moroccan market. With a favorable agreement, Peruvian exports of avocados and other products could experience even greater growth in the coming years.