The EastFruit platform, a global authority on agricultural trade, has reported that Morocco achieved a significant breakthrough in 2024 by revitalizing its orange exports to the United States. After a sharp decline in 2023, Moroccan oranges have reached record highs, with over 20,000 tons shipped to the U.S. market during the first 11 months of the year—a three-and-a-half-fold increase compared to 2023 and 10% higher than the previous peak recorded in 2022. Export revenues also hit a new milestone of $29.6 million.
EastFruit highlighted that the U.S. has emerged as the leading importer of Moroccan oranges in 2024, accounting for more than 40% of Morocco’s total orange exports. Traditionally, the export season to the U.S. runs from April to July, a period marked by minimal competition from other exporters. During these months, South Africa and Chile are just beginning their export seasons, while Mexico’s orange season approaches its conclusion.
However, Morocco has strategically expanded its export calendar in 2024 to include September and October, enabling it to achieve record-breaking figures and strengthen its position in the U.S. market.
Despite facing stiff competition from the dominant suppliers—Chile, South Africa, and Mexico, which collectively account for 85% of U.S. orange imports—Morocco has maintained its rank as the fourth-largest exporter to the American market with a steady 9% market share since 2022.
The report also shed light on the challenges Morocco faced in 2023, attributing the sharp decline in exports to severe climatic conditions, including drought, water scarcity, and the broader impacts of climate change. These factors disrupted orange production, resulting in historically low export levels.
Nonetheless, Morocco’s performance in 2024 demonstrates its resilience and ability to adapt to market dynamics, marking a new chapter in its agricultural export strategy.
