Morocco sardine export restrictions cause shortages in German supermarkets

Major German retailers, including Aldi Nord, Rewe, Lidl, and Kaufland, are reporting shortages of sardines. The supply issues affect both brand-name products and supermarket private labels. Retailers have attributed the scarcity to challenging fishing conditions and rising demand.

The shortage is linked to a significant decline in sardine stocks off the coasts of Morocco and Western Sahara, which are critical to the European market. According to the Fish Information Center in Hamburg, landings in Morocco dropped from 965,000 tons in 2022 to 525,000 tons in 2024, a decrease of nearly 46 percent. Factors contributing to this decline include climate change, changing marine conditions, and high fishing pressure.

In response to these declining stocks, the Moroccan government has implemented more restrictive fishing regulations. Since February 2024, exports of frozen sardines have been heavily restricted or suspended to prioritize the domestic market. Additionally, a surge in consumer interest, fueled by social media trends, has further strained available supplies.