In 2025, Morocco established itself as the leading supplier of fertilizers to the European Union, marking a significant shift in the agricultural supply chains of the continent. This position affirms the Kingdom’s growing role in European food security amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
According to the latest data published by Eurostat, Morocco now accounts for 19% of Europe’s fertilizer imports. It surpasses historical suppliers, notably Russia, whose share has dropped to 12.8%, while Egypt ranks third with 12%.
This change in leadership reflects a profound reorientation of European trade flows. In 2025, Russian fertilizer exports to the European Union experienced a continuous decline, breaking a three-year trend of growth despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Russia’s share of European imports fell from 25.8% at the beginning of the year to 12.8% by the end of the fiscal year, compared to over 28% four years earlier.
This decline illustrates the European Union’s commitment to gradually reduce its economic dependence on Moscow, a process that began after the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022 and accelerated during 2025. This strategy fits into a broader historical contraction of trade between the European Union and Russia.
In the third quarter of 2025, European exports to Russia were valued at €7.25 billion, while imports reached €5.73 billion, resulting in a quarterly trade surplus of approximately €1.5 billion, a situation not seen since 2002. Over the first nine months of the year, bilateral trade decreased by nearly 13%, totaling €43.9 billion.
In this context, Morocco emerged as a credible and sustainable alternative. The rise in energy prices in Europe had weakened local fertilizer production, temporarily enhancing the appeal of Russian supplies. The European decision to limit this dependence for strategic reasons prompted a shift towards more reliable partners.
European authorities have favored Morocco for several reasons: its geographic proximity, industrial capacity, and the stability of its trade flows. Eurostat mentions a structured substitution process in which Moroccan supplies are progressively replacing those from Russia.
This positioning is also based on solid fundamentals. The Kingdom has strengthened its port and industrial infrastructure, enhancing its logistics performance. The role of the OCP Group, a leading global player in the phosphate and fertilizer sector, remains central. Additionally, adherence to contractual commitments has become crucial, as the reliability of suppliers is now a key criterion for member states.
As 2026 approaches, Morocco is asserting itself as a cornerstone of European agricultural systems. By ensuring regular and secure access to fertilizers, the Kingdom is firmly embedded in European food security strategies, confirming its status as a global powerhouse in the phosphate market and its derivatives.