Morocco exported more than 20,000 tons of oranges to the US during the first 11 months of 2024, a remarkable 3.5-fold increase over the previous year, resulting in unprecedented export revenues of USD 29.6 million, according to EastFruit, an agriculture-focused news website.
The US is now Morocco’s top orange importer, accounting for more than 40% of the country’s total orange exports in 2024. The turnaround follows a sharp decline in 2023, caused by climate change impacts, water shortages, and severe droughts that limited Morocco’s production and export volumes.
Since 2013, when it began exporting annually after years of sporadic shipments, Morocco has steadily been increasing its share of the US orange market. The country reached a significant milestone in 2018 and 2022 when it exported over 10,000 tons each year to the US.
However, 2024 was the first time exports crossed the 20,000-ton threshold.
The peak export season for Moroccan oranges runs from April to July, a period when competition from major exporters like Chile, South Africa, and Mexico is minimal. In 2023, Morocco extended its season to September and October, further enhancing its market share.
Despite fierce competition, Morocco is holding its own as the fourth-largest supplier of oranges to the US, with a 9% market share behind Chile, South Africa, and Mexico, which collectively account for nearly 85% of US orange imports.