• Orange exports reached 84,600 tons, worth $61m, in 2024/2025

• Shipments rose 38% year on year, marking a second straight increase

• Growth is expected to slow in 2025/2026 amid drought and competition

Morocco’s citrus sector exported 84,600 tons of oranges worth $61 million at the end of the 2024/2025 marketing season, according to data compiled by specialized outlet East Fruit. Export volumes rose 38% compared with the previous season, marking a second consecutive year of growth since 2022/2023.

Main destinations for Moroccan oranges in 2024/2025

To explain the increase, East Fruit points to sustained demand in traditional markets. With the exception of the United States, shipments to the nine other main destinations all rose year on year. Exports to Canada jumped 65%, while volumes to the United Kingdom were multiplied by seven, those to Saudi Arabia by five, and shipments to Spain by three, the source said.

Beyond growing international demand for Moroccan oranges, the export performance has also been supported by public policy measures. In May, the Moroccan government approved the implementation of a new export support mechanism for fresh citrus, applicable over five agricultural seasons from 2024 to 2028. The scheme provides a flat premium of 1,000 dirhams ($107.7) per ton of citrus exported to the European Union, the United Kingdom, and selected African countries.

Growth expected to slow in 2025/2026

While the results of the past two marketing seasons point to a recovery in Morocco’s citrus sector, expectations for the current season are more cautious. In its latest report on the Moroccan citrus market, published on December 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts a stabilization of orange export volumes at around 85,000 tons for the ongoing 2025/2026 season.

The U.S. agency cites ongoing challenges linked to drought and water scarcity affecting production, as well as strong competition on the international market.

Moroccan exporters continue to face intense competition from Egypt and Turkey, where production costs are significantly lower, according to the report. In Egypt’s case, a favorable exchange rate has boosted price competitiveness, allowing exports at lower prices, while higher labor costs in Morocco and persistent water constraints continue to weigh on production.

Stéphanas Assocle