Morocco’s coffee import costs surge 74% as global prices continue to soar
MOROCCO – Morocco’s coffee import costs have surged by 74 percent in 2024, reaching MAD 2.6 billion (US$259.27M), up from MAD 1.5 billion (US$149.58M) in 2023.
The sharp increase is attributed to higher global coffee prices, as revealed in the Foreign Exchange Office’s latest monthly report.
Alongside rising costs, the volume of imported coffee also grew, increasing from 47,000 tons to 58,000 tons.
Morocco primarily imports two types of coffee: Robusta and Arabica.
Robusta, the more affordable variety, accounts for 80 percent of total imports, while Arabica represents the remaining 20 percent. Robusta coffee makes up between 40 percent and 45 percent of global coffee production.
The country sources its green coffee beans from Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica in Latin America, as well as Vietnam and Indonesia in Asia.
Additionally, it imports coffee from Uganda, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Guinea. Roasted coffee is mainly purchased from Spain and Italy.
Despite Morocco’s high import volumes, coffee consumption in the country remains relatively low. The average Moroccan drinks less than one kilogram per year (0.8 kg), according to Mohamed Astayeb, president of the Moroccan Association of Tea and Coffee Manufacturers.
The surge in coffee prices follows a sharp rise in global Arabica costs, which recently hit record highs above US$3.60 per pound on January 29, 2024. Poor harvests in major coffee-producing nations have tightened supply, impacting import-dependent countries like Morocco.
Brazil, the world’s largest Arabica producer, has already sold between 70 percent and 80 percent of its current harvest, limiting available supply. Conab, Brazil’s food supply agency, forecasts a 4.4 percebt decline in the upcoming crop.
Meanwhile, Robusta coffee prices have also increased, rising 0.9 percent to US$5,609 per metric ton. Farmers in Vietnam and India are holding back sales, expecting further price gains.
India’s coffee exports are projected to decline by more than 10 percent in 2025 due to lower production and reduced stock levels.
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