Morocco’s mandarin exports, which had been declining since 2022, are now making a strong comeback, according to EastFruit. Data from Morocco’s Office des Changes shows that between July 2024 and February 2025, the country exported 436,000 tons of mandarins, valued at $369 million. This marks a 13.3% increase compared to the same period in MY 2022/23 and an 11.3% rise over the entirety of MY 2023/24.

Moroccan mandarins see peak export demand from November to February, coinciding with heightened seasonal consumption. In MY 2024/25, the country set new records, shipping 94,000 tons in November and 122,300 tons in December 2024.

As one of Morocco’s most important fruit exports, mandarins rank second only to tomatoes. Morocco remains among the top five global mandarin exporters, having briefly held a top-three position in 2022. However, extreme droughts and unfavorable weather in 2022 and 2023 significantly reduced yields, causing a decline in export volumes. By 2023, the situation worsened, prompting authorities to allow the export of mandarins with less than 50% juice content—a sign of diminished fruit quality.

The resurgence in MY 2024/25 is largely attributed to improved weather conditions and the widespread implementation of drip irrigation techniques. According to the USDA’s annual report, Morocco’s mandarin production is projected to reach 1.1 million tons, reflecting a 16% increase from MY 2023/24. Exports are expected to total 500,000 tons.

Russia, the United States, and Canada continue to be Morocco’s primary export markets, accounting for half of its mandarin shipments. In MY 2024/25, Russia imported 88,200 tons (20.2% of total exports, up 11.6% from MY 2023/24), while Canada increased its purchases by 8% to 65,800 tons. European markets, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France, also registered growth in demand.

Morocco is actively expanding its export reach, increasing the number of importing countries from 58 in MY 2023/24 to 61 in MY 2024/25. Emerging markets such as Germany, South Africa, Lithuania, Guinea, Brazil, and Belgium are showing strong potential. Notably, Germany and Lithuania doubled their imports from previous marketing years, while Belgium and Brazil continue their upward trajectory, highlighting long-term opportunities for Moroccan citrus.

Despite these advancements, Morocco still faces challenges. Fierce competition from key exporters like Spain and Turkey requires continual improvements in quality control and logistics. Additionally, shifting climate patterns threaten future yields, reinforcing the need for sustainable agricultural innovations and resilient farming practices.