Morocco Halts Frozen Sardine Exports Amid Supply Concerns
Morocco, the world's leading sardine exporter, will halt frozen sardine exports from February 1, 2026. The decision follows a 46% drop in sardine landings in 2024, aiming to protect domestic supply and stabilize prices.
Morocco, recognized as the world's top exporter of sardines, has announced a significant policy shift by halting exports of frozen sardines starting February 1, 2026. This decision follows a dramatic 46% decline in sardine landings during 2024, which reduced the total catch to 525,000 metric tons. The announcement was made by Zakia Driouich zakia driouich, the cabinet member in charge of fisheries, to members of parliament on January 7, 2026.
The decision aims to safeguard domestic sardine supplies and stabilize prices for Moroccan households, where sardines are a dietary staple. Sardines, a pelagic species, constitute approximately 80% of Morocco's coastal fish resources, underscoring their structural importance to the nation's fishing economy. With its extensive Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, Morocco 
MA has long been a leader in sardine exports, making this domestic-first policy shift particularly noteworthy.
MA has long been a leader in sardine exports, making this domestic-first policy shift particularly noteworthy.
