Morocco's citrus fruits exports increase by 18 percent

Morocco exported up to March 1st 393,000 tons of citrus fruits recording an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year.

The figures were disclosed by minister of agriculture before a parliamentary committee.

The official said 54% of exports went to the European Union, 27 % to Russia and 9% to Canada.

The marketing of the produce unfolded in good conditions except for clementines which suffered a drop in prices, resulting from an increase of offer at the European market.

Vegetables exports amounted to 242,000 tons recording a slight drop of 2% compared to the previous year (248,000 tons). The drop was due to the problems encountered by Moroccan tomatoes exports to the European Union in January, the official said.

He said tomato exports dropped by 8% as they did not exceed 176,000 tons during this campaign compared to 192,000 the previous year.

Exports of other vegetables and fruits increased by 44 %. Vegetables were mainly destined to the European Union (86%), Russia (5%) and Switzerland (5%).