Morocco sardine exports restricted, causing European supermarket shortages

sardine shortage Moroccan fishing industry European food supply seafood scarcity climate change impact

Major European retailers, including Aldi Nord, Rewe, Lidl, and Kaufland, are reporting shortages of sardines in supermarkets. The scarcity is driven by a significant decline in fish stocks off the coasts of Morocco and Western Sahara, which serve as the primary supply source for the European market.

Data from the Moroccan fishery administration shows that landings dropped from 965,000 tons in 2022 to 525,000 tons in 2024. Experts attribute this decline to climate change, shifting marine conditions, and high fishing pressure. In response to the dwindling stocks, the Moroccan government has implemented more restrictive management practices and has significantly restricted or suspended the export of frozen sardines since February 2026 to prioritize its domestic market.

Retailers note that both brand-name and private-label products are affected. While some companies are working with suppliers to restore availability, the combination of reduced supply and high demand suggests that price increases and continued volatility are likely.

Entities

Aldi Nord · LIDL · Morocco · Rewe · Stefan Meyer

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Sardine availability in European supermarkets and discounters is currently limited. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Climate change, changing marine conditions, and high fishing pressure are causing declining stocks. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Sardine landings in Morocco dropped to 525,000 tons in 2024. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The Moroccan government has restricted or suspended frozen sardine exports since February 2026 to protect its domestic market. www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · courage-lounge.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · +1 more