Market Trend Report: Moroccan Citrus Industry in 2023

This report focuses on the Moroccan citrus season in marketing year 2022/23, which was marked by extreme drought and rising temperatures, making it the driest year in over 30 years. The lack of water significantly affected citrus orchards, leading to a 32% decrease in production, with an estimated 2.6 million metric tons (mmt) of citrus produced. Key citrus-growing regions, such as Sous-Massa, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Oriental, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, and Marrakech-Safi, were particularly impacted, and some growers had to remove orchards due to water scarcity and increased irrigation costs.

The decline in citrus production resulted in reduced exports, especially for mandarin/tangerine, orange, and orange juice. The drop in exports was caused by lesser production in Morocco, which led the country to prioritize fulfilling domestic demand. Despite the challenges, higher prices for citrus products, particularly orange juice, were observed due to limited availability, indicating high demand in the market.

To mitigate the effects of the drought on the citrus industry, the Moroccan government allocated a substantial aid package of 10 billion dirhams (USD 2.7 billion) to support various sectors, including citrus farming. Additionally, the government formed partnerships to enhance agricultural development and promote research and innovation in the industry