Morocco’s lemon industry brought in $2.7 million in revenue during the first half of the 2024-2025 agricultural season, as reported by East Fruit, an outlet specializing in fruit and vegetable market analysis. This figure reflects the country’s expanding role in the global citrus trade despite ongoing environmental pressures.
Between October and March, Morocco exported 6,100 metric tons of lemons, marking the strongest export volume for this six-month period since the 2020-2021 season. That season had followed four consecutive years of reduced lemon exports, primarily caused by unfavorable weather patterns, including irregular rainfall and temperature extremes.
East Fruit emphasized the significance of lemons within Morocco’s broader citrus export strategy. While mandarins and oranges continue to dominate, lemons remain an important contributor to the sector’s growth and international footprint.
Historically, the country’s lemon exports peaked in the 2019-2020 season at 17,000 metric tons. Although impressive, this figure was still seven times lower than the volume of oranges exported and 23 times less than mandarins during the same year, highlighting the comparative scale of each fruit in Morocco’s citrus basket.
The country’s citrus sector achieved another milestone in April when Moroccan citrus fruits entered the Japanese market for the first time. The shipment was celebrated at Foodex, Japan’s leading food and beverage exhibition, signaling a new chapter for Moroccan agricultural exports. According to East Fruit, this breakthrough underscores both the high quality and global competitiveness of Morocco’s produce, which is increasingly recognized for meeting strict international standards.
Morocco’s citrus industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years. During the 2021-2022 season, total citrus exports reached an all-time high of 766,500 tons, representing a 40% increase over the previous year. This figure includes a wide range of citrus varieties, as well as berries, illustrating the diversity and resilience of the country’s agricultural output.
Looking ahead, citrus producers in the Moulouya irrigation zone — located in the eastern province of Berkane — are preparing for a projected yield of at least 192,300 tons in the current season. This ambition comes despite continuing challenges posed by climate change, particularly prolonged drought conditions, decreasing rainfall, and water resource limitations.
However, recent rainfall in March offered some reprieve. It significantly improved the country’s water reserves, enabling Morocco to secure a potable water supply that is expected to last for approximately 18 months. This development was confirmed by Minister of Equipment Nizar Baraka, who highlighted its importance for national water security amid a shifting climate.
As Morocco continues to adapt to environmental pressures and global market demands, its citrus sector remains a vital pillar of the national economy, showcasing both resilience and potential for further expansion.