Morocco's mandarin exports have rebounded since their decline in 2022, as reported by EastFruit. The Office des Changes in Morocco recorded exports of 436,000 tons of mandarins valued at $369 million from July 2024 to February 2025. This marks a 13.3% increase from the same period in MY 2022/23 and an 11.3% rise over the entire MY 2023/24.
The primary export period for Moroccan mandarins is November to February, coinciding with high demand for citrus during festive seasons. In MY 2024/25, Morocco exported 94,000 tons in November and 122,300 tons in December 2024.
Mandarins are a key component of Morocco's export sector, second only to tomatoes. Morocco ranks among the top five global mandarin exporters, although droughts in 2022 and 2023 reduced yields and export volumes. The 2023 crisis led to the export of mandarins with less than 50% juice content.
The recovery in MY 2024/25 is due to favorable weather and the adoption of drip irrigation. The USDA projects Morocco's mandarin production at 1.1 million tons for MY 2024/25, a 16% increase from MY 2023/24, with exports expected to reach 500,000 tons.
Russia, the United States, and Canada are the main markets, with Russia importing 88,200 tons and Canada increasing imports by 8% to 65,800 tons. European markets like the UK, Netherlands, and France also show growth.
Morocco is expanding its export markets, increasing from 58 importing countries in MY 2023/24 to 61 in MY 2024/25. Emerging markets include Germany, South Africa, Lithuania, Guinea, Brazil, and Belgium. Germany and Lithuania doubled imports, while Belgium and Brazil show steady growth.
Challenges remain, such as competition from Spain and Turkey and climate change impacts, highlighting the need for sustainable practices.
Source: EastFruit
