Citrus fruit market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the citrus fruit market volume grew from 83 517 thousand tons to over 90 000 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by favorable agricultural conditions and improved labor quality, which boosted production. During this period, increased competition led companies to focus on niche segments and product innovation, particularly in citrus-flavored beverages, further stimulating market activity.

The market faced a minor contraction in 2020 as pandemic-related supply chain challenges temporarily disrupted flows, yet consumer demand remained stable. By 2021, market volume recovered and reached 94 300 thousand tons, although the delayed harvest of mid-season varieties concentrated supply and put downward pressure on prices. Simultaneously, growing consumer preference for premium and diverse citrus products encouraged variety restructuring within the industry.

Market growth slowed after 2022, with volume peaking at 97 786 thousand tons before a slight dip to 97 379 thousand tons in 2023. Geopolitical conflicts and global supply chain problems affected import availability, while domestic structural issues such as overcapacity and uneven variety distribution limited further expansion. New export opportunities under trade agreements like RCEP helped offset some pressures, but the market's value declined from its 2021 peak as cost pressures and competitive dynamics intensified.

Production citrus fruit in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Citrus fruit production in Eastern Asia saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2020, production remained virtually unchanged from the previous year at 89 453 thousand tonnes. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 13.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 89 897 thousand tonnes, which also marked the largest annual increase of 7.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Eastern Asia's citrus fruit production value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 125.7 billion US dollars, representing a 20.1% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 28.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Eastern Asia's citrus fruit export volume declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 251 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 2.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 285 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Russia, and the Netherlands were notable buyers of citrus fruit from Eastern Asia, accounting for 17.9%, 11.0%, and 6.6% of exports in volume, respectively. However, their combined share of 35.6% did not dominate the export market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 1 758 million US dollars worth of citrus fruit, a strong increase of 17.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 34.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 1.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, citrus fruit exports from Eastern Asia were distributed across many countries. Even the top destinations—Vietnam, Thailand, and Russia—together represented only 41.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, citrus fruit import volumes into Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, imports totaled 1 432 thousand tonnes, a substantial contraction of 16.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 432 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, South Africa, and Egypt were the main sources of citrus fruit imports into Eastern Asia by volume, accounting for 30.2%, 27.7%, and 14.4%, respectively. Together, they represented 72.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of citrus fruit into Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 1 528 million US dollars, a robust decline of 10.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 9.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 848 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 10.0%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States, South Africa, and Australia made the biggest contributions to citrus fruit imports into Eastern Asia by value, accounting for 37.6%, 21.6%, and 16.3%, respectively. Their combined share totaled 75.5% of import flows.

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

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