Frozen sardines and sprats exports from Morocco: data, top buyers and prices
Morocco exported $80.4 million of frozen sardines and sprats in 2024 (75.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 88 countries. Value fell 48% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $239.8 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $80.4M | 75.4K t |
| 2023 | $154.5M | 159.7K t |
| 2022 | $239.8M | 240.1K t |
| 2021 | $160.5M | 159.6K t |
| 2020 | $185.1M | 196.7K t |
| 2019 | $215.3M | 223.4K t |
| 2018 | $232.8M | 240.6K t |
| 2017 | $184.9M | 194.3K t |
Where Morocco exports frozen sardines and sprats to
Most of it went to South Africa (29%), Spain (17%), Brazil (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Senegal grew fastest (+128% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $23.0M | 29% |
| Spain | $13.9M | 17% |
| Brazil | $10.8M | 13% |
| Turkey | $9.6M | 12% |
| Russia | $4.7M | 5.9% |
| Malaysia | $3.4M | 4.2% |
| Portugal | $2.8M | 3.5% |
| Ukraine | $2.4M | 3% |
| France | $1.7M | 2.1% |
| Senegal | $1.2M | 1.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.07 per kg, 32% above the world average of $0.81. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Frozen sardines and sprats imports to Morocco
In 2024, Morocco imported frozen sardines and sprats worth $2.5 million (2.9 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Spain (38%), Mauritania (26%), Netherlands (26%). Among the main suppliers, Portugal grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | $952K | 38% |
| Mauritania | $657K | 26% |
| Netherlands | $651K | 26% |
| Portugal | $250K | 10% |
Who is behind these numbers in Morocco?
The shipment records behind Morocco frozen sardines and sprats exports (HS 0303.53): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0303.53: Fish: frozen, sardines (Sardina pilchardus, Sardinops spp.), sardinella (Sardinella spp.), brisling or sprats (Sprattus sprattus), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Common questions
What is the value of frozen sardines and sprats exported by Morocco?
Morocco exported frozen sardines and sprats worth $80.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 75.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 88 countries worldwide, with 11% of world exports. The value was down 48% on 2023.
Which countries buy frozen sardines and sprats from Morocco?
South Africa was the largest buyer with 29% of the value ($23.0 million), followed by Spain (17%) and Brazil (13%). The top three together account for 59%, out of 55 buyer countries in total. Senegal grew fastest among the top ten, up 128% on the year.
What is the average export price of frozen sardines and sprats per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.07 per kg in 2024, 32% above the world average of $0.81 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of frozen sardines and sprats from Morocco changed since 2017?
Exports went from $184.9 million in 2017 to $80.4 million in 2024, a fall of 57%. The peak was 2022 at $239.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $181.6 million a year.
Does Morocco also import frozen sardines and sprats?
Yes. Morocco imported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Spain, Mauritania and the Netherlands. On balance Morocco is a net exporter of this product, by about $77.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen sardines and sprats?
The HS code for frozen sardines and sprats is subheading 0303.53. It sits in HS chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0303 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds Morocco trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World frozen sardines and sprats trade: top importers and exporters
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