Morocco has forbidden fruit and vegetable traders from exporting tomatoes, onions and potatoes to West African countries. The decision by the agricultural food export authority, Morocco Fodex, was informed to trader by phone and it cited a need to ensure food security at home after tomato prices rose, a senior official in the association said.
The official said the ban had been imposed from Thursday on any truck carrying the vegetables to West African markets. Tomato prices have recently risen sharply after cold temperatures and higher fertilizer prices reduced production. Traders said tomato sales to Europe, where they fetch higher prices, has also raised prices domestically.
Government spokesperson Mustafa Baitas said in a weekly news conference that the government was "taking all measures to ensure regular and normal supplies" for the domestic market.
Source: nasdaq.com