Citrus fruit market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market volume for citrus fruit in Argentina fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 6.7 million tonnes in 2018, it contracted to 5.0 million tonnes in 2020, before recovering strongly to reach 7.5 million tonnes by 2023. The initial decline coincided with a drop in production, while the subsequent expansion was driven by a rebound in output and supportive export policies.

A key policy shift at the end of 2020, which eliminated export taxes and introduced discounts for fresh fruit shipped from Buenos Aires ports, enhanced the international competitiveness of Argentine citrus. This was followed by strengthened phytosanitary controls and organization by SENASA in 2021, improving product quality and access to demanding export markets. These measures helped stimulate production, which jumped from 5.4 million tonnes in 2020 to 7.1 million tonnes in 2021. Furthermore, European restrictions on imports of South African oranges from 2022 onwards improved prices for Argentine oranges, providing an additional incentive for growers.

Despite facing adverse weather conditions, including drought and excessive rains that affected some harvests in 2023, the domestic market volume continued to grow. Internal demand remained positive, supported by a growing consumer preference for healthy diets. Simultaneously, the export sector worked to diversify into non-traditional markets to offset a documented decline in sweet citrus exports to traditional partners, caused by high internal costs and intense international competition.

Production citrus fruit in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Argentina ranked 11th globally in citrus fruit production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Argentina's citrus fruit production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 5 368 K t of citrus fruit, marking an 18.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 18%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 083 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Argentina's citrus fruit production value also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 384 M $ US, representing a 24.8% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 41.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -16.2%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 6 260 M $ US, which saw an 8.7% increase that year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Argentina in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Argentina

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Argentina's citrus fruit exports increased in 2020. Exports reached 363.2 K t, showing a modest 5.6% gain compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 344.0 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Russia, and the Netherlands were among the largest buyers of Argentine citrus fruit in volume terms, accounting for 19.7%, 18.8%, and 10.6% of exports respectively. Together, they represented just 49.1% of total exports, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Argentina's citrus fruit export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 229.0 M $ US, reflecting a 2.9% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 28.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -10.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Russia, and the Netherlands remained the principal buyers of Argentine citrus fruit in value terms, with shares of 20.4%, 19.4%, and 11.0% respectively. Together, they accounted for 50.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Argentina in value, 2017-2020

Imports citrus fruit to Argentina

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of contraction, Argentina's citrus fruit imports increased in 2020. The country imported 6.2 K t of citrus fruit, which is 38.3% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4.5 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 43.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Chile played the leading roles in Argentina's citrus fruit imports by volume, together accounting for 81.0% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Argentina's citrus fruit import value showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 3.2 M $ US and peaked in 2017, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import value came to 5.7 M $ US, representing a sharp 81.2% increase from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 55.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain and Chile clearly dominated Argentina's citrus fruit imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 84.4% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Argentina in value, 2017-2020