US: Moroccan citrus imports to be halted in February

The detection of medfly in a shipment of Moroccan citrus arriving in the United States has prompted a halt to imports that will take effect in February. This will limit the amount of citrus coming into the U.S., and prices are likely to increase on clementines, especially in the weeks before the Israeli export season ramps up.

“The ruling just came down last week, so we'll see if this is the last year Moroccan citrus can come into the United States or if this is just a temporary thing,” said Carlos Salomon with William H. Kopke Jr., Inc. Fruit that's already in the country can still be sold, and imports will be accepted through the first week in February. Moroccan citrus arriving on or after February 8, however, will not be allowed to enter the United States.

“There will be a gap in citrus arrivals between now and the beginning of March,” said Salomon. “Prices for clementines will begin to increase as supplies dwindle. By the end of next week, prices could be double what they were a couple of weeks ago when there was ample supply. The chains and consumers will spur demand cleaning up what inventory is available resulting in importers increasing their price to slow demand. Israeli citrus which will begin in March could provide an interesting option, but importers may be hesitant until they see the results of the recent Moroccan ban. This situation is unfortunate as it just adds another produce item that will become more expensive for consumers at a time when all produce prices have been abnormally high."

For more information:

Carlos Salomon