Morocco Records Five-Year High in Lemon Exports During 2024/2025 Season
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco delivered a strong performance on the international lemon market during the 2024/2025 season, achieving its highest export volume in five years, according to data released by EastFruit on February 11, 2026.
Between November 2024 and October 2025, Morocco exported approximately 9,700 tons of lemons, generating revenues exceeding $5 million. This marks an impressive 80% increase compared to the 2023/2024 season, effectively reversing a four-year downward trend in lemon exports.
The latest figures represent Morocco’s strongest export campaign since the 2010/2011 season, when exports reached a record 18,000 tons. After nearing that level again in 2019/2020 with 17,000 tons, shipments had gradually declined, reaching a low of 5,300 tons in 2023/2024 before rebounding significantly this season.
The growth in exports has been driven in part by a shift in destination markets. Mauritania remains Morocco’s leading buyer, accounting for 45% of total lemon shipments and recording its fourth consecutive year of growth. The United Kingdom ranked second, with exports surpassing 1,000 tons for the first time in 17 years. Russia followed, receiving 9.2% of total shipments. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Canada resumed imports, while shipments to France declined by 20%.
EastFruit also highlighted notable changes in seasonal export patterns. Traditionally, Moroccan lemon exports peaked in February before declining sharply in April. However, during the 2024/2025 campaign, April became the most active export month, with strong volumes continuing into May. This shift reflects improved logistics and better alignment with importer demand.
The recovery in lemon exports forms part of a broader resurgence in Morocco’s fruit sector. The country also successfully revived watermelon exports in 2025, demonstrating resilience and adaptability despite ongoing climatic challenges.
Looking ahead, Morocco’s citrus sector is expected to witness a slight rebound in the 2025/2026 marketing year. Tangerine and mandarin production is projected to reach 1.15 million metric tons, representing a 4% increase from the previous season.
In addition, Morocco shipped 8,200 tons of citrus to Germany between October 2024 and September 2025, generating MAD 134 million (approximately $12.1 million) in revenue, further underscoring the sector’s strengthening performance on international markets.
