Morocco’s Citrus Exports Are Rising to Record Levels

Published 2022년 7월 11일

Morocco is gaining momentum in citrus exports for the 2021/22 season. Based on data from official authorities, export has seen a growth of 42% YoY, with total quantities of around 735,000 mt exported globally. Exports increased due to the excellent citrus production season, where precipitation and temperatures were in optimal proportions. Total production for the observed period amounted to 1.36M mt, which is a 13.33% YoY increase. Exports to the UK rose in 2021 by 32.38% YoY to 57,299 mt, primarily because of post-Brexit trade complications between the UK and the EU.

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests of Morocco, citrus exports have reached a new record. Looking at the period from September 2021 to June 2022, the total quantities delivered from Marocco exceeded 735,000 mt. That was a 42% YoY increase compared to the previous season.

Morocco has shown significant growth in citrus production in recent years, with 1.36M mt produced for the 2021/22 season, a 13.33% YoY increase compared to last year. Out of citrus fruit, fresh oranges account for 1.15M mt, while lemons and limes were the least produced with 45K mt. Higher production of citrus fruit was achieved mainly due to favorable weather conditions with less extreme temperatures and proper timing of precipitation, while the overall plantings of citrus fruit figures around 130,000 ha. The citrus production in Morocco mainly occupies the regions of Souss Massa, Gharb, and Moulouya.

Source: Tridge

The export season starts in September and lasts until June. The increase in exports in 2021 for clementine was the highest in volume and export growth, with 292,923 mt delivered, a 16.67% YoY increase. The export rise is remarkable given the international difficulties in logistics and agflation. Leading importers included EU countries and Russia, and a notable importer was the United Kingdom, where imports increased during the post-Brexit period by 32.38% YoY to 57,299 mt in 2021. Given Morocco's geographical position, it is not surprising that importing countries spread globally. Canada was the second importing country of Morocco’s citrus with 69,661 mt imported in 2021, followed by the Netherlands with 56,461 mt, and France, the US, and Spain were among the top ten importing countries. Export volume to EU countries has declined while export quantities to the US increased 18.43% YoY to 54,163mt in 2021. Estimates are that citrus exports from Morocco will exceed 800,000 mt in 2022/23.