The European Commission has responded to claims of tax fraud in Moroccan tomato exports. Spanish MEP Carmen Crespo raised concerns that Morocco is sending more tomatoes than allowed without paying duties.However, EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen pointed out that the imports follow the 2012 trade deal between the EU and Morocco.
He explained that if Morocco exports more tomatoes than the duty-free quota allows, the shipments are still legal, provided customs duties are paid. Between 2019 and 2024, approximately €81 million in duties were collected on these excess imports.
Hansen acknowledged that Morocco has exceeded the agreed quota since 2019 but emphasized that this remains in line with the trade deal. “Imports beyond the quota are taxed, so they still follow the rules,” he stated.
Spanish MEP Clara Aguilera Crespo had called for an investigation, alleging over €71 million in tax losses since 2019. However, the EU dismissed her accusations.
Between 2014 and 2023, Morocco increased its tomato production by over 17%, rising from 1.23 billion to 1.44 billion kilos, boosting its competitiveness in the EU market—a development perceived as a threat by Spanish farmers.
In February 2024, farmers in Algeciras, Spain, protested against Moroccan imports, claiming they harm local producers. Some accused Morocco of flooding the market with low-quality tomatoes, reflecting broader concerns about competition from non-EU countries.
