On January 27, 2022 the USDA Foreign Agricultural Services released its biannual “World Markets and Trade” report for the 2021-22 citrus season. Here are some of the highlights:
Oranges
- Global orange production for 2021/22 is estimated up 1.4 million tons from the previous year to 48.8 million due to larger crops in Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey.
- China production is projected up slightly to a record 7.6 million tons. The forecast is based on higher output in new navel planting areas in Jiangxi and higher yields in Hubei and Hunan provinces.
- South Africa production is forecast to increase 3 percent to 1.7 million tons (the highest level in 8 years) due to favorable weather and a rise in area. Consumption and exports are up with the rise in production as well as strong demand. The EU is expected to remain the top market, accounting for over 40 percent of shipments.
Tangerines/Mandarins
- Global production for 2021/22 is estimated up 2.8 million tons to a record 37.9 million with growth in China expected to more than offset declines in the United States and European Union. Consumption and exports are both at record highs.
- China production is forecast to rise 3.0 million tons to a record 28.0 million due to favorable weather and higher area and yields.
- Morocco production is projected to jump 13 percent to 1.4 million tons due to favorable weather. Consumption is forecast at a record and exports are set to rise with the higher production. Top export markets are expected to continue to be the European Union and Russia.
Grapefruit
- Global production in 2021/22 is forecast up 4 percent to a record 7.0 million tons due to favorable weather and expanded area in China and Mexico. Consumption is forecast at a record high with record supplies, and exports are expected to rebound.
- Mexico production is forecast 5 percent higher to a record 534,000 tons due to favorable weather and a slight rise in area. Consumption is expected to rise to a new record with the higher production while exports are forecast down slightly. The United States and the European Union are anticipated to remain the top export markets.
Lemons
- Global production in 2021/22 is forecast up 4 percent to a record 9.5 million tons due to higher production in Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. With higher available supplies, record global consumption and exports are expected.
- Mexico production is forecast to expand 7 percent to a record 3.2 million tons. Consumption and exports are at record highs due to the greater supplies. The United States is expected to remain the top market accounting for nearly all of Mexico’s exports.
- Argentina production is forecast to drop 150,000 tons to 1.7 million as a result of an alternate bearing off year. Consumption, fruit for processing, and exports are all down with the lower supplies.
