Morocco expects record citrus exports

This is set to be a good year for Morocco’s citrus growers, with exports at their highest levels for two decades (around 680,000 tons). This follows a 2016-2017 campaign in which exports hit 650,000 tons (out of an overall production of about 2.4 million tons). On the domestic front, producers are buoyed by the prospect of Ramadan coinciding this year with the start of the summer season.

Morocco’s Association of Citrus Producers (ASPAM) attributes the good performance firstly to renewal efforts and orchard expansion. The European Union should absorb 40% of the export, with the same share returning to the Russian market. The North American market recorded a 20% increase last season. The entry into full production of new plantations should result in a sharp increase in production over the next two years, to reach nearly 3 million tons. However, the export quota, which currently stands at 25% of total volumes produced, needs to be increased.