Adverse weather toward the end of 2014 led the Moroccan citrus industry to substantially revise its export volume estimate for the season, website Leconomiste.com reported. 

The story said the Moroccan Citrus Producers' Association (ASPAM) now believed total exports would not exceed 500,000 metric tons (MT), down from the initial forecast of 600,000MT.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds in November last year are said to have caused extensive crop damage, particularly in the southern region of Souss where more than half of the country's export volumes are produced.

Although the weather took its toll on citrus production, the rainfall did provide some relief to drought conditions in the country.

With a current estimated production of some 1.9 million MT, it is now believed no more than 30% will be fit for export.

Adding to shippers' woes is the sharp deterioration of the Russian currency, since the ex-Soviet country reportedly absorbs around 60% of Morocco's citrus shipments.

Leconomiste.com also said that up to Jan. 16, year-on-year shipping volumes had been significantly lower at 217,000MT compared to 300,000MT, although this could partly be explained by a delayed start to the season.

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