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Morocco’s imports of vegetable oils, led by sunflower oil, continue to record a notable increase, reflecting changes in consumption patterns caused by inflation and shifting consumer preferences.
A report by Russia’s Federal Center for the Development of Agricultural Exports highlighted this trend, noting that Morocco’s market is controlled by a limited number of major companies.
The report revealed that Morocco imported vegetable oils worth around $120 million in 2023, with a particular focus on sunflower oil.
According to the report, Morocco relies heavily on imports to meet its table oil needs, importing between 85% and 90% of total domestic consumption. This makes the kingdom an important player in international trade in this essential commodity.
Despite efforts to develop local production, output remains insufficient to cover demand. Vegetable oil imports reached around 660,000 tonnes this year, while sunflower crop production does not exceed 30,000 tonnes annually, with a planted area estimated at only 22,000 hectares.
Morocco aims to increase this area to 50,000 hectares by 2030 in order to narrow the gap between production and consumption.
Production has declined slightly, falling from 29,000 tonnes in the 2019–2020 season to 28,000 tonnes in the current season. In contrast, sunflower oil consumption rose sharply to 104,900 tonnes in 2023, 2.5 times higher than the previous year.
With the rising cost of living, Moroccan consumers increasingly prefer buying oils in smaller packages. Sales of 0.5-liter bottles rose from 12.2% in 2019 to 14.8% in 2023, while 0.25-liter bottles saw a similar increase. Sales of larger 2- and 3-liter bottles declined, reflecting clear shifts in consumer behavior.
Although Morocco relies heavily on imports, it also exports some sunflower oil. Exports reached 12,500 tonnes in 2023, worth $17.7 million, confirming its ability to serve nearby markets such as Lebanon, Libya, and Senegal.
The report also noted that Morocco’s vegetable oil market is dominated by three main companies: Les Huileries du Souss Belhassan, Omnium Nord Africain, and Avril Group. Together, these companies account for more than 80% of total vegetable oil sales in the country.