Morocco is poised for a strong rebound in its lemon export market during the 2024/25 marketing year (MY), following a four-year decline. Favorable weather conditions and a global drop in lemon production have contributed to this resurgence, according to EastFruit.
In the first half of MY 2024/25, from October through March, Morocco exported 6,100 metric tons of lemons, generating $2.7 million in revenue. This represents the highest volume for that period since MY 2020/21, with earnings nearly equaling the total revenue from the previous full season.
Lemons are Morocco's third most important citrus export, though their volume is significantly lower than mandarins and oranges. At the peak in MY 2019/20, lemon exports totaled 17,000 tons, seven times less than oranges and more than 23 times less than mandarins. Still, lemons are crucial for Morocco's citrus export diversification and help maintain year-round availability in global markets, as their export season is less affected by seasonal fluctuations than other citrus fruits.
Between MY 2019/20 and MY 2023/24, lemon exports steadily declined, falling to a low of 5,000 tons. This was due to several converging factors. Prolonged droughts in 2022 and 2023 severely impacted yields by limiting rainfall and irrigation capacity. At the same time, geopolitical disruptions and shifting trade routes restricted access to key markets like Russia, where exports nearly disappeared during MY 2023/24. Increased competition, especially from Turkey, further pressured Moroccan exporters in core European destinations such as the Netherlands, France, and Russia.
However, improved weather conditions in 2024 revived lemon production, while a one-third decline in Turkey's lemon output created an opportunity for Morocco to reclaim market share. Mauritania continues to be the top destination, receiving more than 40 per cent of Morocco's citrus exports in the first six months of MY 2024/25. The United Kingdom is emerging as a growing market, and shipments to Russia and Canada have resumed. Morocco is also regaining momentum in France and the Netherlands.
Exports are now reaching new and returning destinations. After a two-year hiatus, shipments to the United States have restarted, and Sweden has received Moroccan lemons for the first time in four years. Initial deliveries have also been made to Latvia and Kazakhstan. With the marketing year still ongoing, Morocco may exceed its MY 2020/21 export performance.
At the same time, Mandarin exports from Morocco are also improving, suggesting a broader recovery across the country's citrus industry.
Source: EastFruit
