Morocco is one of the world leaders in citrus exports, ranking 3rd player in Africa after South Africa and Egypt. For the 2024/2025 campaign, Moroccan citrus exports are expected to see a significant increase, with a projection of 597,000 tonnes shipped internationally, an increase of 31% compared to the previous season. This data comes from the latest estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), released on December 24, 2024.
This strong growth in exports is explained by a notable improvement in local citrus production. Indeed, Moroccan citrus production for the 2024/2025 campaign should reach more than 2.1 million tonnes, an increase of 16% compared to the previous year. This increase in production, combined with favorable climatic conditions and increased adoption of advanced irrigation techniques, will strengthen Morocco’s positioning on the international market.
Mandarins will account for the largest share of exports, with an estimated 500,000 tonnes, or 83% of total citrus exports. Oranges will follow with a share of 15%, and lemons will complete the export picture.
The success of this 2024/2025 campaign is not only based on production, but also on the strengthening of commercial relations with international markets. The USDA particularly highlights the importance of the agreement signed on December 11, 2024 between the Moroccan government and the shipping company Atlas Marine to create a new commercial shipping line between Agadir and Dakar, in West Africa. This project aims to facilitate trade by reducing transport costs and optimizing the logistics of goods, particularly trucks. According to citrus industry experts, this new maritime link is expected to increase exports to West African countries.
The main export markets for Moroccan citrus fruits remain the countries of the European Union (EU), Russia, the United States, Canada and certain sub-Saharan African countries. In 2023, citrus exports generated more than $456.5 million for the Moroccan economy, thus consolidating the citrus sector as one of the main sources of export revenue, alongside red fruits.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
