Citrus fruit market in Bhutan

Earlier Report Observations

Bhutan's citrus fruit production experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2023. After an initial increase to 55 311 t in 2019, output fell sharply to 32 211 t in 2021. This drastic decline was primarily caused by severe disease outbreaks, particularly Huanglongbing (citrus greening) and Citrus tristeza virus, which led to early tree decline and reduced orchard yields across the country. Consequently, the domestic market volume contracted from 42 209 t to 24 852 t over the same period.

In response to the crisis, revival efforts were launched by both the government and private sector. The establishment of Bhutan's first private citrus nursery in 2021 marked a key turn, aiming to supply farmers with disease-resistant seedlings. This was supported by state programs leasing land and investing in irrigation infrastructure, which helped production recover to 42 618 t by 2023. The concurrent 'A Million Fruit Tree Plantation' national initiative further encouraged the planting of new citrus varieties.

The market recovery was also shaped by a growing focus on sustainable and organic cultivation practices, aligning with national agricultural policy. While exports to neighboring countries remained a significant outlet for production, influencing domestic availability, the industry's foundation strengthened through improved nursery stock and expanded planting areas, setting the stage for future growth.

Production citrus fruit in Bhutan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2018-2021

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2018-2021

Bhutan's citrus fruit production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 32 211 tonnes of citrus fruit, marking a 37.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 39.3%, with an average annual decline of 15.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 55 311 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Citrus fruit production in Bhutan has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 15 746 thousand US dollars, down by 37.5% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value declined by 36.6%, translating to an average annual decrease of 14.1%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 27 575 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Bhutan

Exports in kind, t

Bhutan's citrus fruit export volume has fallen for the second year running. In 2021, exports totaled 7 748 tonnes, a 5.2% drop from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 30.1%, with an average annual decline of 11.3%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 15 111 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 36.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, with a 45.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Bangladesh was the nearly exclusive buyer of citrus fruit from Bhutan, accounting for 100.0% of total exports in volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Bhutan's citrus fruit exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 3 787 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate 5.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value fell by 27%, with an average annual decline of 10.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 7 533 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 45.2%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2020, with a 47.0% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Bangladesh, which made up 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bhutan in value, 2018-2021

Imports citrus fruit to Bhutan

Imports in kind, t

Bhutan imported 389 tonnes of citrus fruit in 2021, representing a 56.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 61.2%, with an average annual increase of 17.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a 24.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, India dominated Bhutan's citrus fruit imports in volume, consistently accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Bhutan imported citrus fruit valued at 15 746 thousand US dollars in 2021, showing a sharp 54.9% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import value rose by 77.5%, with an average annual growth of 21.1%. The largest decline was in 2020, with a 3.8% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In the period from 2018 to 2021, imports in value terms were highly concentrated on India, which accounted for 99.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bhutan in value, 2018-2021