Morocco: Citrus Annual
Post estimates Morocco’s total citrus production for MY2014/15 at 1.70 million MT, a decline of 23 percent compared to the exceptional production registered in MY 2013/14. The decline is explained by the natural alternating production cycle, combined with the effects of several heat waves that hit Morocco during blossoming and fruit setting. Exports are expected to drop following reduced domestic production and a government decision to implement strict controls measures on exports in order to avoid quality problems and preserve the ‘Morocco Label’. Moreover, heavy rain and floods that occurred in late November have paralyzed the export supply chain with the full impact on exports still unknown at the time of this report. Post projects total citrus exports for MY2014/15 to reach around 440,000 MT, approximately 30 percent lower than exports in MY 2013/14. Russia will maintain its position as the top destination for Moroccan citrus, despite the authorities’ decision to limit the volume of citrus exported to Russia by a quota of 120,000 MT. This measure followed serious default in payments during MY2013/14 that resulted in severe financial losses for Moroccan producers and exporters.
