The total export of citrus fruits decreased by 17% compared to the same period in 2011-2012, from 424,152 tonnes to 350,172 tonnes. This decline was due to weather conditions and the competition on the national market.
In the same period there was also a decline in export visible in tomatoes, with 5%. The supply on the national market, on the other hand, increased. The export of haricot vert and potatoes was also lower. In general there is satisfaction about the export of vegetables, including courgettes and peppers.
Moroccan citrus fruits have created sales markets in Eastern Europe and Russia. The production of oranges this season is estimated at 1.49 million tonnes. The export of Europe's classic sales markets decreased with this.
For Morocco the citrus fruit was the main export product to Russia. Morocco exported almost 200,000 tonnes of mandarins to Russia last season. This is and increase of 52% compared to the previous season. This year a turnover of 8% is expected according to figures from the American department of agricultures (USDA).
This new development in the sector of citrus fruits makes Morocco a direct competitor of Spain. Figures show the Spanish export of citrus fruits to Russia, including oranges and mandarins, has gone down by 61,570 tonnes. This is 6% less compared to the previous period, according to export figures from Spain, Valencia (Direction générale de Valence pour le commerce extérieur).
The competition and the satiation of the European market will lead to fruit and vegetable exporters orientating themselves towards sales markets with more perspective such as Russia, Turkey and Eastern European countries in coming campaigns.
With Plan Maroc Vert Morocco aims to double the production of citrus fruits to 3.9 million tonnes per year by 2020.
