USDA’s Citrus World Markets and Trade report was released on July 27, 2022. The report includes production estimates and trade trends for major citrus producing countries. Click here to download the full report.
Spotlight on South Africa
Fresh orange production in South Africa is forecast to grow by 6% to 1.6 million tons in 2021/22. Harvested acreage is forecast to grow by 2 percent to over 43,000 hectares in 2021/22, from 42,360 hectares in 2020/21. This rise will be partially offset by the industry shift from orange production to mandarins in the Western Cape and Limpopo regions.
South Africa is forecast to be the second largest exporter in 2021/22 and has been the second largest global orange exporter behind Egypt the past 7 years. Exports are forecast to grow by 5 percent to a record 1.36 million tons in 2021/22 based on increased production.
The European Union remains South Africa’s largest export market for oranges, accounting for over 40 percent of total exports. However, these orange exports have been affected by EU concerns over Citrus Black Spot and False Codling Moth. Shipments to the United States are expected to continue based on the duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). However, a gradual shift from oranges to mandarin exports is expected to continue. South African farmers supplying the U.S. market have been re-planting their orchards from oranges to mandarins and new orange varieties in response to market preferences and the higher premium received in the United States.
Variety Highlights
Oranges
- Global orange production for 2021/22 is estimated up 1.8 million tons from the previous year to 49 million tons.
- U.S. production is estimated to drop 13 percent to the lowest level in over 55 years of 3.5 million tons due to poor fruit set in California and the continued decline in yields in Florida as a result of citrus greening.
- European Union production is expected to decline 6 percent to 6.1 million tons due to unfavorable weather and a drop in area harvested.
- Morocco production is estimated to rise 11 percent to 1.2 million tons due to favorable weather and increased area as new orchards begin production. The European Union is expected to be the top export market.
Mandarins
- Global production for 2021/22 is estimated up 2.0 million tons to 37.2 million with growth in China expected to more than offset declines in the United States and the European Union.
- Morocco production is projected to jump 13 percent to 1.4 million tons due to favorable weather.
- Exports are set to rise with the increased production. Top export markets are the European Union, Russia, and the United States.
- South Africa production is anticipated to continue its aggressive growth, surging by 12 percent to 660,000 tons as a result of improved yields due to favorable weather and higher area. Consumption and exports are estimated to grow with the greater available supplies.
Grapefruit
- Global production in 2021/22 is estimated to be up 4 percent to a record 7.0 million tons due to favorable weather and expanded area in China.
Lemons/Limes
- Global production in 2021/22 is forecast up 6 percent to a record 9.7 million tons due to higher production in Argentina, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. Higher available supplies boost global consumption (to a new record), exports, and fruit for processing.
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