Morocco's mandarin exports to Russia have increased sharply in the first months of 2025. Data from Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance show shipments reached 31.6 thousand tons, up 74 per cent from 18.2 thousand tons during the same period in 2024. The increase reflects growing demand for Moroccan citrus in one of the world's largest import markets.
Russia's mandarin supply has shown mixed trends among origins. Imports from South Africa rose 42 per cent and from China 27.5 per cent, while Egyptian volumes fell 51 per cent to 64.5 thousand tons. Between January 1 and November 23, 2025, Russia imported 594.3 thousand tons of mandarins, a 9 per cent decline compared with 2024. In November, 120.6 thousand tons entered the market. Turkey remained the leading supplier with 47 per cent of total imports, followed by South Africa at 14 per cent, China at 13 per cent, Egypt at 11 per cent, and Morocco at 5 per cent.
Trade between Morocco and Russia has also expanded beyond citrus. In 2024, Russia exported about US$280 million in agricultural products to Morocco, mainly wheat. At the same time, Morocco increased exports of vegetables, fruit, seafood, and citrus to Russia. During the first half of 2025, bilateral trade rose 73 per cent compared with the same period in 2024.
The shift reflects Morocco's broader strategy of diversifying export destinations and strengthening commercial ties in high-demand markets. The Russian market has become a focal point for Moroccan citrus exporters seeking to expand both volume and value while balancing competition from Turkey, South Africa, and China.
Analysts attribute Morocco's performance in Russia to production capacity, logistics, and its ability to meet international quality requirements. Key citrus-producing areas have maintained supply levels that enable access to competitive markets.
Morocco's exports to Russia include a wider set of agricultural products such as vegetables, additional fruit categories, and seafood. The diversification supports efforts to reduce reliance on traditional markets and respond to global trade changes.
The rise in mandarin shipments in 2025 illustrates Morocco's capacity to adjust to market conditions and strengthen its role in regions with growing citrus demand. Continued focus on supply chain efficiency, export programs, and market development is expected to shape outcomes in the months ahead.
Source: The Morocco Post
