Citrus fruit market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The Caribbean citrus fruit market volume contracted from 1.33 million tons in 2018 to 1.12 million tons in 2020, with a further slight decrease to 1.12 million tons in 2021. This decline aligned with a global market phase where citrus supply growth consistently outpaced demand, creating downward pressure on production and trade volumes.

A recovery emerged in 2022, lifting the market to 1.21 million tons, and growth continued to 1.27 million tons in 2023. The rebound reflected the sector's adjustment to post-pandemic conditions, while increasingly frequent extreme weather events and rising inflationary pressures on consumer spending introduced new challenges for production stability and demand.

Production citrus fruit in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Caribbean citrus fruit production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 124 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 12.4% drop from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 6.9%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

Caribbean citrus fruit exports have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 5 263 tonnes, representing a gradual year-on-year decline of 5.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 036 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a 7.4% fall, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 0.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Caribbean citrus fruit exports by volume were the United States, accounting for 36.9% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 10.6%, and the United Kingdom at 4.7%. Together, these three markets made up 52.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Caribbean citrus fruit exports in value terms have also declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3 757 thousand US dollars, a sharp 40.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 46.8%, averaging an annual decline of 19.0%. The peak value was in 2018 at 9 348 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 32.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Caribbean citrus fruit exports in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. The United States led with 33.3% of export value, followed by the Netherlands at 4.6%, and France at 3.6%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 41.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Caribbean citrus fruit imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 23 332 tonnes, up 20.5% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 77%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Caribbean citrus fruit imports by volume, making up 50.7% of imports. Colombia followed with 8.2%, and Peru with 6.8%. Together, these three countries represented 65.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Caribbean citrus fruit imports in value terms amounted to 32 425 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.7% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 20.3%, averaging an annual growth of 6.3%. The largest decrease was in 2019, with a 4.9% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 19.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, Chile, and Colombia were the key markets for Caribbean citrus fruit imports in value terms, collectively accounting for 77.5% of total import flows.

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

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