Morocco sets new record with 1,200T of lemon exports to the UK
Morocco’s lemon exports to the UK surge to their highest level ever recorded.
MOROCCO – Morocco set a new record after shipping 1,200 tons of lemons to the United Kingdom between November 2024 and August 2025.
The sharp rise shows how strongly the country now targets European markets that once seemed distant. Officials in the sector say the growth surprised many producers. One analyst told EastFruit that “the momentum shows how quickly trade patterns can shift when growers and exporters focus on quality and timing.”
The 1,200 tons of lemons carried a value of MAD 9.6 million, which is equal to approximately US$920,000. This volume marks a 40-fold increase compared to the previous season. The figure also exceeds Morocco’s total lemon exports to the UK over the past ten years.
Traders note that “the rise from the 31st to the 11th largest lemon supplier within ten months shows clear commitment from producers.”
The surge breaks a record that stood for seventeen years. The pace of growth pushed Morocco ahead of Vietnam and Mexico, countries that traditionally hold stronger positions in the UK citrus market.
The ranking could still change by the close of the campaign, yet exporters in Morocco express confidence that they can hold on to their gains.
Growing importance of the UK market
The UK now ranks as the third most important destination for Moroccan fruits, behind Spain and France. Morocco already holds top supplier status for raspberries since 2023 and blueberries since the 2024 to 2025 season. Exports of strawberries, mandarins, watermelons and avocados also continue to climb.
For many years, Moroccan lemons formed only a very small share of UK imports. Spain, South Africa and Brazil together control more than 80 percent of the market. Germany and the Netherlands supply around 10 percent.
The remaining share leaves little room for emerging exporters, which makes Morocco’s sharp increase especially notable.
Sector observers say the recovery comes after four straight years of falling lemon export numbers. Exporters now expect steadier volumes if they keep quality high and maintain reliable supply schedules.
Strengthening Morocco UK agricultural links
Recent developments highlight close agricultural ties between the two nations. The UK Food Security Report 2024 stated that Morocco now plays a growing role as a reliable source of fresh produce. Vegetables alone made up 7.5 percent of UK imports in 2023.
The report also noted that “the consistency coming from Moroccan growers builds confidence among UK buyers.”
These gains show how quickly Morocco can grow its presence in key markets when conditions align. The record lemon shipments now add fresh momentum to the wider agricultural relationship between Morocco and the UK.
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