Russia increases import of Moroccan citrus
Since the beginning of this year, Russia has increased its imports of Moroccan fresh citrus, particularly mandarins, by 74% compared to the same period last year, according to the Russian news agency TASS, citing the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor).
The same source noted that Russian imports of Moroccan mandarins rose from 18,200 tons to 31,600 tons. Similarly, imports from South Africa grew by 42% to exceed 82,000 tons, while imports from China are estimated at over 78,000 tons this year, reflecting a 27.5% increase.
The Russian agency also indicated a 51% decline in imports of mandarins from Egypt since the beginning of this year compared to the same period in 2024, stabilizing at around 64,000 tons.
As of November 23, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance reported that total Russian imports of mandarins reached over 594,000 tons, marking an annual decrease of about 9%. The statistics also highlighted that more than 120,000 tons of imported mandarins entered Russia alone in November.
Morocco ranks fifth among mandarin suppliers, accounting for 5% of total imports. Turkey leads the list with 47%, followed by South Africa, China, and Egypt, which captured 14%, 13%, and 11% of imports, respectively.
Irina Kuzi, a member of the Union of Producers and Farmers in Russia, emphasized in media statements that Moroccan mandarins and clementines are very popular among Russian consumers, noting that “the domestic consumption of this agricultural product peaks between November and January each year.”
Specialized Russian reports have pointed to a 7% increase in demand for mandarins over the past year, with the average price per kilogram rising by 17% year-on-year. The reports highlighted that prices in Russia are influenced by weather phenomena in supplying countries, logistics issues, and fluctuations in the value of the ruble.
