The Chilean Citrus Committee recently released a global lemon market overview providing production updates for Spain, South Africa, Argentina, and Egypt. Some highlights include:
- Spain forecasts a significant decrease in lemon production due to adverse weather, pest and disease issues, and lack of profitability.
- South Africa has reduced lemon export projections due to strong winds and flooding in key producing regions.
- Argentina reported lower quality and export levels due to phytosanitary issues caused by rain.
- Egypt’s lemon production and export season begins in September, and due to the increased harvest area, volumes are expected to expand up to 25% compared to the previous year.
In related news, the Chilean Citrus Committee reported a 32% growth in lemon exports to Japan this season versus last year. Japan is the second largest export market for Chilean lemons after the U.S. Last season, Chile lemon exports to the U.S. and Japan amounted to 41,594 Metric tons and 17,028 Metric tons, respectively. Estimates indicate that the U.S. and Chile account for 41% and 38% of Japan’s lemon market, respectively. The U.S. is Japan’s largest supplier from February through May, while Chilean supply begins in May and continues through September.
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