Morocco's exports of clementines have recovered after a decline in 2022, according to a report by EastFruit. The Moroccan Exchange Office recorded exports of 436,000 tons of clementines valued at 369 million dollars during the period from July 2024 to February 2025, representing an increase of 13.3% compared to the same period in the 2022/2023 season, and an 11.3% rise compared to the entire 2023/2024 season. The main export season for Moroccan clementines runs from November to February, coinciding with increased demand for citrus fruits during the holiday season. In the 2024/2025 season, Morocco exported 94,000 tons in November and 122,300 tons in December 2024. Clementines are a key pillar of Morocco's export sector, ranking second only to tomatoes. Morocco is classified among the top five clementine-exporting countries globally, although droughts in 2022 and 2023 negatively impacted crops and export volumes. The crisis in 2023 led to the export of clementines containing less than 50% juice. The recovery in the 2024/2025 season is attributed to improved climatic conditions and the adoption of drip irrigation techniques. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects Morocco's clementine production to reach 1.1 million tons in the 2024/2025 season, an increase of 16% compared to the 2023/2024 season, with exports expected to reach 500,000 tons. Russia, the United States, and Canada are the main markets, with Russia importing 88,200 tons, while Canada's imports increased by 8% to reach 65,800 tons. European markets such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France are also experiencing significant growth. Morocco continues to expand its export markets, with the number of importing countries rising from 58 in the 2023/2024 season to 61 in the 2024/2025 season. Emerging markets include Germany, South Africa, Lithuania, Guinea, Brazil, and Belgium. Germany and Lithuania have doubled their imports, while Belgium and Brazil recorded stable growth. Despite this positive momentum, challenges remain, such as competition with Spain and Turkey, and the impacts of climate change, highlighting the need to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
