Morocco is consolidating its position among the African leaders in the citrus market. With an export forecast reaching 597,000 tonnes in 2024/2025, the Kingdom shows an increase of 31% compared to the previous campaign, according to a recent report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), published on December 24.
This progression places Morocco third on the continent, behind South Africa and Egypt, and is explained by favorable weather conditions and increased adoption of advanced irrigation technologies. National citrus production is expected to increase by 16% year-on-year, reaching 2.1 million tonnes.
Mandarins at the top of exports andstrengthened commercial relations
In the export segment, mandarins largely dominate, representing 83% of planned volumes, or 500,000 tonnes. Oranges follow with 15%, while lemons complete this dynamic picture. This distribution highlights the diversity and competitiveness of Moroccan products on international markets.
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The growth of Moroccan exports is also supported by the strengthening of commercial partnerships, particularly in West Africa. Last December, a memorandum of understanding was signed for the opening of a new line linking Agadir to Dakar. This initiative aims to facilitate maritime transport, reduce logistics costs and improve the efficiency of trade with countries in the sub-region. According to the USDA, this maritime connection is expected to “facilitate and increase citrus exports to West African countries.”
Varied destinations for popular products
In addition to sub-Saharan Africa, Moroccan citrus fruits are mainly destined for the European Union, Russia, the United States and Canada. This international influence testifies to the quality and competitiveness of local production, which represents an important source of income for the Moroccan fruit industry.
Read also: Citrus fruits: An increase of +11.97% in production in 2024
In 2023, citrus exports generated more than $456.5 million, according to Trade Map data. This performance places citrus fruits on the same level as red fruits, the two sectors constituting major pillars of the Kingdom’s exporting agriculture.
With optimistic forecasts and ambitious commercial initiatives, the citrus sector is establishing itself as a driver of Moroccan agricultural growth, confirming the country’s strategic place on the international market.
