After Lengthy Hiatus, Morocco to Resume Mandarin Exports to Russia by Year-End

Morocco is poised to resume its mandarin exports to Russia by the end of this year, marking the end of a lengthy suspension, according to Fruit Net.
Russia, which typically imports about 1 million tons of mandarins annually from Latin America, South Africa, Turkey, and North Africa, once relied heavily on Moroccan citrus, particularly its popular clementines. However, Moroccan mandarin exports to Russia significantly declined in recent years due to various factors, including COVID-19.
In 2022, Morocco’s export of clementines to Russia decreased by 11% from the prior year, while exports of mandarins dropped by 7%.
In the late 2010s, however, citrus exports from Morocco had nearly come to a standstill, although Russia had not formally halted Moroccan mandarin imports.
Recent developments indicate that exports are expected to resume by the end of 2024, potentially revitalizing trade ties between the two nations.
Morocco’s decision to resume exports to Russia is a major relief for Moroccan citrus farmers, who see the Russian market as a crucial outlet for their products. The demand for fresh fruit in Russia remains robust, and Moroccan mandarins are well-positioned to regain their prominence among Russian consumers.
The renewal of exports could also serve as a stepping stone toward forging new trade agreements and strengthening bilateral economic relations between Morocco and Russia.