Morocco will halt the export of frozen sardines starting February 1, 2026, in a move aimed at safeguarding domestic food supplies and stabilizing prices for one of the country’s most widely consumed sources of protein. The suspension comes amid declining sardine stocks along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, which supports the world’s largest sardine fishery. Morocco’s sardine industry is a cornerstone of the country’s maritime economy. The decision to restrict exports highlights the tension between maintaining Morocco’s position in global markets and meeting domestic food demand. Several West and North African countries rely heavily on seafood exports for foreign exchange while simultaneously grappling with domestic food security pressures.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 12, 2026 08:25 UTC