Shipments are set to begin again by the end of this year
Morocco is set to resume mandarin exports to Russia by the end of this year following a period of suspension, according to a report in Rue20.
Russia typically imports around 1mn tonnes of mandarins annually from Latin America, South Africa, Turkey and North Africa. A decade ago, Morocco played a key role in supplying the market, typically accounting for around one-third of imports. Its clementines in particular were popular amongst Russian consumers. However, political tensions and sanctions have resulted in shipments of Moroccan mandarins coming to a virtual standstill more recently.
The resumption of exports to Russia is welcome news for Moroccan growers, who have struggled in the face of a serious drought in recent years which has pushed up costs.
The report said the resumption of exports could facilitate the creation of new trade agreements and deepen economic relations between Morocco and Russia in the future.
