Citrus fruit market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

Citrus fruit market volume in ASEAN grew consistently from 11.7 million tons in 2018 to 15.7 million tons in 2023. This expansion was supported by growing global trade, with world citrus exports rising 6.5% in 2018 and imports increasing 7.8% in 2020, indicating stronger international demand. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted consumption as consumers turned to citrus fruits for their health benefits.

In value terms, the market experienced notable volatility, surging to $16.6 billion in 2020 before dropping to $15.3 billion in 2021 and recovering to $18.0 billion by 2023. The 2021 decline coincided with a global peak in citrus production that led to market fluctuations and lower prices. Subsequent growth was partly driven by supply shortages in major producing regions like the United States, where Hurricane Ian damaged crops in 2022 and production fell due to disease and weather challenges.

Additionally, rising demand for natural citrus extracts from the food and beverage industry, particularly from 2022 onward, created extra incentives for citrus cultivation and processing in the region.

Production citrus fruit in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

ASEAN's citrus fruit production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 12 727 thousand tons of citrus fruit, representing a 6.5% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 24.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of citrus fruit production in ASEAN has also increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, output was valued at 15 979 million US dollars, showing a strong 24.7% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 30.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.2%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, ASEAN's citrus fruit export volume rebounded in 2020. The region exported 87.0 thousand tons, marking a significant 52.4% increase from the previous year. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 33.5%, with an average annual decline of 12.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 57.1 thousand tons, which saw the largest drop of 40.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the distribution of ASEAN's citrus fruit exports by country was relatively dispersed. China accounted for 22.2% of export volume, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 14.6%, and the Netherlands at 9.3%. Together, these three partners represented 46.2% of total exports, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. Import levels varied significantly, with a 2.6-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, citrus fruit exports from ASEAN totaled 109.2 million US dollars, up 78.3% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 61.2 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 42.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China was the top destination for ASEAN's citrus fruit exports in value terms, accounting for 27.2%. The United Arab Emirates followed with 16.6%, and the Netherlands with 10.2%. Together, these three countries absorbed 54.0% of total export value, making them the main markets.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's citrus fruit import volume reached 716.8 thousand tons in 2020, showing a robust 14.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 23.4%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 7.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 20.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—China, South Africa, and Australia—collectively supplied 69.1% of ASEAN's total citrus fruit import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's citrus fruit imports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 756.9 million US dollars, indicating a notable 11.2% uptick from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 35.4%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 10.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, the leading sources for ASEAN's citrus fruit imports in value terms were China, which accounted for 44.6%, Australia at 13.5%, and Pakistan at 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 68.8% of total import value.

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

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