Morocco: sardines continue to dominate World canned small pelagic production

Supplies to the Moroccan seafood canning industry remain dominated by sardines (Sardina pilchardus) which represent 90% of the total pelagic species processed by the sector. During 2003, around 21% of coastal landings were destined for canning. Total annual sales of the industry amounted to 2.4 billion dirhams (€218 million) of which 2 billion dirhams (€182 million) were generated by exports. For the first 10 months of 2003, Moroccan canned production reached 141 000 MT, an 11% increase on the preceding period.

With the exception of the port of Tan Tan, raw material supplies to other Moroccan ports (Safi, Agadir, Sidi Ifni, Tarfaya and Laayoune) increased during 2003 (+137%, +13.6%, +31%, +166%, +17.6% respectively).

Canned exports account for about 36% of total Moroccan seafood exports in volume terms and 28% in value. The volume of canned sardine exports during 2002 fell by 5.4% compared to the preceding year. The value of exports, in contrast, increased by 6.8%.

France: increase in imports during 2003

French canned sardine production has been stable at around 10 000 MT in recent years. The French industry continues to experience intense competition from imports, particularly from Morocco and Portugal. Morocco, Portugal and Spain account for the bulk of French canned sardine imports with Morocco dominating at over 65% of total imports. During the first 11 months of 2003, French imports from the three main supplying countries increased by 5%, to 12 600 MT, compared with the same period in 2002.

Although the value of French imports increased by 4% during the first 11 months of 2003, unit values decreased slightly by 1%. Unit values for Moroccan imports, at €2.52/kg, remained well below those of both Portugal (€3.94/kg) and Spain (€3.96/kg).

Competitive pricing helps explain the steady increase in exports by the Moroccan industry.

Germany: imports dominated by Morocco

Annual UK canned sardine imports exceed 10 000 MT with Portugal, Morocco, South Africa and Namibia, as the principal suppliers.

Imports decreased by 11% in volume terms and by 9% in value for the January – November period last year.

ITALY
Annual Italian canned sardine imports are between 2 500 and 3 000 MT. Volume imports increased by 13% for the first 10 months of 2003. As in the case of France and Germany, Morocco accounts for the bulk of total imports. In value terms, Italian imports increased by 13% with unit values roughly stable compared to the same period in 2002.