American Forecasts for Increased Citrus Production in Morocco
The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts an increase in Morocco’s citrus production for the 2025/2026 agricultural season, driven by improved climatic conditions and the trees entering a favorable production phase, alongside effective public policies targeting the agricultural sector.
A report by the department indicates that tangerine production is expected to reach approximately 1.15 million tons in the upcoming season, marking a seasonal increase of 4%. Meanwhile, orange production is anticipated to rise by 1% compared to the previous season, reaching about 970,000 tons.
The report also projects that lemon production in Morocco will be around 48,000 tons, with tangerine exports expected to reach roughly 550,000 tons during the 2025/2026 season, reflecting an increase of about 2%. Conversely, orange exports are likely to stabilize at the same levels as the 2024/2025 season, while lemon exports are expected to remain around 10,000 tons.
The source attributes this anticipated performance to improved climate conditions during the growth period, enhanced tree yields due to entering a suitable production cycle, and the impact of public policies supporting agricultural production chains.
The report highlights that citrus producers in Morocco are expecting a promising season despite a delayed start, with tangerines taking center stage in national citrus production due to ample yields and improved volumes.
In terms of exports, the report confirms that the European Union and Russia continue to lead as the top importers of Moroccan tangerines, while a gradual shift in the export map has been observed in recent years, driven by increased exports to West African countries, particularly Ivory Coast, Mauritania, and Senegal.
On the other hand, the report attributes the stability of orange exports to strong competition faced by the country from Egypt and Turkey, which benefit from lower production costs.
The American report projects that orange juice production in Morocco will reach 65,000 metric tons, an increase of 8% compared to the average of the past five years, owing to expanded processing capacities, especially in the southern regions, and greater availability of raw materials in the local market.
The report emphasizes the government support directed towards citrus production and exports, noting that small farmers benefit from aggregation projects, receiving financial incentives of $225 per hectare in small aggregated areas, $150 in medium-sized areas, and $75 in large areas. Additionally, organic citrus farmers receive higher incentives ranging from $100 to $200 per hectare.
