Morocco approves citrus export subsidy scheme to boost European sales

MOROCCO – The Moroccan government has launched a new subsidy plan to support citrus exporters targeting the European market.

The initiative, which excludes the Nadorcott mandarin variety, will offer financial support of about 90 euros (USD 101.66) per ton for citrus shipments headed to the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland.

The support, announced through a joint decision by the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance, will run for five export seasons from 2024 through 2028.

Officials say the move is intended to help Moroccan citrus remain competitive, especially amid rising costs and strong competition from other producing countries.

“We are focused on giving exporters the support they need to maintain market share in Europe,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Agriculture. “This is a structured response to a changing export environment.”

Subsidy levels will rise each year during the program period. The ceiling for 2024 is 6 million euros, with the figure increasing to 8.3 million euros in 2025.

The following two years will each have an upper limit of 11 million Euros (USD 12.4 million). By 2028, the subsidy ceiling will reach 11.5 million euros (USD 12.99 million). These numbers may be revised depending on actual export volumes during the seasons.

The subsidy will be calculated by multiplying the quantity exported by each packing unit with the fixed support amount. However, if a company’s declared export cost is above the eligible threshold, the payout will be adjusted based on its share of total national exports.

Firms interested in receiving the subsidy will need to apply through regional offices of the Ministry of Agriculture. The application must include identification documents, commercial registration, export certifications, and bank information.

Companies have six months after the end of each export season to submit their paperwork, although extensions of up to three months may be granted in special situations.

“The process has been designed to be fair and transparent,” said the spokesperson. “We’ve also put in place a clear system for appeals if there are any issues.”

Citrus exports for the 2024–2025 season are projected to reach 597,000 tons, a 31 percent increase compared to last year. This would solidify Morocco’s position as the third-largest citrus exporter in Africa, trailing only South Africa and Egypt.

Europe remains one of Morocco’s most important citrus buyers, along with markets such as Russia, North America, and Canada. But geopolitical pressures, high transport costs, and stiff competition from countries like Spain, Türkiye, and Chile have complicated export plans.

The government is also moving forward with wider agricultural reforms. Officials say these steps are part of a long-term approach to maintain Morocco’s standing in global fresh produce trade.

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