The World Citrus Organization (WCO) recently published its annual Northern Hemisphere Citrus Forecast. Northern Hemisphere citrus production is estimated at 27.3 million tons, an 8.7% decrease from last season and 5.9% below the four-season average. Exports are expected to follow suit, down 8.9% to 8.38 million tons.
Egypt’s citrus production is forecasted at 4.35 million tons, a 19.5% drop from the previous season. The decline is attributed to climatic challenges such as late frost and drought and persistent geopolitical and market pressures.
Spain’s citrus production is estimated at 6.18 million tons, a modest 3.3% decline from last season. This includes a 21% reduction in lemon production from last year’s record high. Despite dramatic weather events, Spain’s supply remains steady, as forecasted.
The WCO highlights climate extremes, inflation, and geopolitical instability as ongoing threats to citrus production and trade, with domestic sales, exports, and processing volumes projected to decline compared to previous seasons. The WCO will release its Southern Hemisphere Citrus Forecast in April 2025.
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