Morocco’s citrus exports set to rise by 31% in 2024/2025 season

MOROCCO – Morocco’s citrus sector is gearing up for a significant boost in exports, projected to grow by 31% in the upcoming marketing year, according to the latest report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Morocco is set to export approximately 597,000 tons of citrus fruits in the 2024/2025 season, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s volume.

The USDA attributes this growth to favorable weather conditions and advancements in irrigation and water management practices. Local citrus production is estimated to grow by 16%, reaching over 2.1 million tons.

Mandarins are expected to dominate the export segment, accounting for 83% of the total, or 500,000 tons, followed by oranges and lemons.

“The improved production outlook and strategic trade measures are contributing to the optimistic forecast for the citrus sector,” the report states.

A recent development aiding this growth is the establishment of a new shipping route between Agadir and Dakar.

This initiative, formalized through a memorandum of understanding between the Moroccan government and Atlas Marine, is designed to streamline trade with West African countries.

“This shipping line is expected to enhance the efficiency of citrus exports, reducing costs and facilitating broader market access,” the USDA report highlights. West Africa has emerged as a critical trade partner alongside Morocco’s traditional markets, including the European Union, Russia, the USA, and Canada.

Citrus fruits remain a key contributor to Morocco’s agricultural exports, generating over $456.5 million in 2023. This revenue underscores the sector’s role in the national economy, alongside other high-performing categories such as soft fruits.

Egypt’s citrus sector takes a different route

While Morocco is increasing its focus on fresh citrus exports, Egypt is charting a path towards processing.

The USDA forecasts a 50% increase in the volume of oranges processed for juice and concentrates in Egypt during the 2024/2025 marketing year.

This rise represents an additional 150,000 tons compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 450,000 tons, or 12% of Egypt’s anticipated 3.7 million-ton orange production.

The shift towards processing is largely driven by global market conditions. A sharp rise in the selling prices of orange juice, caused by reduced supplies from Brazil—the world’s leading producer—has created new opportunities for Egyptian processors.

At the same time, increased demand in the United States has bolstered Egypt’s position as a key player in the global orange juice market.

“Egypt’s processing segment is responding to international trends, ensuring that the citrus sector remains competitive and diversified,” the report notes.

This growing emphasis on processing complements Egypt’s already strong position in fresh orange exports, where the country ranks as the world’s second-largest exporter after Spain.

The dual focus on fresh and processed products underscores Egypt’s ability to adapt to changing market demands, solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the global citrus industry.

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