PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION
Molluscs are a variegate group of soft bodied aquatic animals, often protected by a hard shell, known for their culinary versatility and ecological importance. They contribute to the marine biodiversity and are increasingly farmed as they’re a renewable source of protein and they support local economies through fishing, farming and export activities.
They are sold in many different fonts, for example fresh, frozen or processed, and are a key ingredient in many coastal cuisines around the world.
Molluscs are a part of Fish, Crustaceans & Molluscs, a category of the Animal Products section that includes a wide range of related by-products like Preserved Aquatic Invertebrates, Preserved Cuttlefish & Squid (Frozen/Dried/Salted/Brined), Preserved Octopus (Frozen/Dried/Salted/Brined), Fresh/Chilled Live Aquatic Invertebrates, and Fresh/Chilled Scallops. (Not Live)
They also have a Product Complexity Index of -1.34, ranking 937 out of 1044 products in 2023.
This post will not consider the Molluscs trade in general, but it will be focused on the Moroccan market, the eighth largest exporter of these products in the world.
EXPORT
In 2023 Morocco exported an amount of $520M of Molluscs, becoming the 8th largest exporter of this category out of 165 countries in the world, with an estimated percentage of 4.35 of share in global exports; during the same year, Molluscs were the 18th most exported product in Morocco out 1114.
The main destinations of the country’s exports were
- Spain - $350M;
- Italy - $116M;
- Thailand - $11.3M;
- China - $10.2M;
- Portugal - $8.92M.
IMPORT
In 2023 it was estimated that Morocco imported around $82.2M worth of Molluscs, becoming the 21st largest importer of the product out of 216 countries, with a 0.69% of
share in global imports; during the same year, Molluscs were the 164th most imported product in the country out of 1185.
It was imported primarily from
- Falkland Islands - $36.3M;
- China - $12.8M;
- Spain - $12.1M;
- Peru - $10.6M;
- United Kingdom - $1.96M.
GROWTH POTENTIAL
According to the source, between 2022 and 2023 the fastest growing markets for the category’s import and exports in Morocco were the following
MARKETS FOR MOLLUSCS EXPORTS
- Spain - $83.5M;
- Italy - $60.4M;
- China - $7.67M.
MARKETS FOR MOLLUSCS IMPORTS
- Peru - $1.94M;
- Ghana - $827K;
- China - $816K.
CONCLUSIONS
In 2023 Morocco’s Molluscs trade played an important role in shaping the country seafood sector. Thanks to its long coastline and a growing focus on aquaculture, Morocco has become a key supplier of high-quality Molluscs to international markets.
The country development reflects its ability to turn natural resources into economic opportunities and commitment to sustainable marine practices, in a balanced model between tradition, innovation and environmental care.
Source: https://oec.world/en
