Drought Threatens Morocco’s Citrus Exports Amid Global Competition

Moroccan citrus fruits are no longer in vogue internationally. The product faces fierce competition from other countries like Spain, Turkey and Egypt. The reason is a drop in production volumes. "The drop in export volumes is explained by the combination of several factors: recurrent droughts, frost episodes and temperature variations have directly impacted the production and quality of citrus fruits," writes L’Économiste.

Citrus exports, estimated at an average of 650,000 tons per year, bring in nearly 3 billion dirhams to Morocco, according to Maroc Citrus data. But these exports have gradually declined, particularly those to Russia "which is one of the main importers of Moroccan citrus fruits," the economic daily reports. "Due to sanctions and political tensions, deliveries of Moroccan mandarins, particularly the popular Clementine variety, have almost ceased," informs Irina Koziy, an expert in exotic fruits, quoted by the daily.

Morocco is facing competition from citrus producing countries like Spain, Turkey and Egypt, which are investing in more productive and resistant varieties. "Furthermore, Moroccan citrus producers are facing rising production costs, particularly due to the increase in prices of agricultural inputs (fertilizers, pesticides), energy and wages. This situation significantly reduces their profit margins and makes them less competitive," it is specified.

As for Moroccan oranges, they represent nearly 80% of the volumes exported to the Russian and European Union markets. The rest is exported to Canada, the United States and the Gulf countries. The bulk of Moroccan citrus fruits, or 96%, is produced in Souss - Massa, Gharb, Moulouya (Berkane), Tadla and El Haouz.