Russian demand saves citrus exports

Europe, first Moroccan export market, has decreased its demand. Moroccan exports fell by 8% between September 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 compared to the same period a year before. Citrus fell by 17% to 350,172 tons.

The new strategy of Morocco, to penetrate the markets of eastern Europe and Russia, has helped to offset the decline of European demand. The country has shipped nearly 200,000 tons of mandarins last season in Russia, an increase of 52% compared to previous seasons. Sales are expected to grow by 8% this year.

The objective of the Green Morocco Plan is to double the citrus production by 2020 and reach 3.19 million tons per year.

source : libe mag