Citrus fruit market in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market volume in Latin America and the Caribbean remained stable through 2018-2019, then saw a slight dip to 74 756 thousand tons in 2020 as the continued presence of HLB (huanglongbing) disease and citrus canker in Brazil constrained production and limited fresh fruit quality for export.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a phase of steady expansion, reaching 81 207 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was driven by the adoption of advanced agricultural practices like precision farming and fertigation, alongside rising demand for derived citrus products such as juice concentrates, essential oils, and fruit powders.

Additionally, stricter post-harvest handling and pesticide residue regulations helped improve product quality and access to international markets, while the consolidation of online sales channels broadened distribution and aligned with shifting consumer preferences toward convenience and health.

Production citrus fruit in Latin America and the Caribbean

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 Latin America and the Caribbean saw a decline in 2020, following two consecutive years of growth. The region produced 76 350 K t of citrus fruit that year, representing a 1.8% decrease compared to 2019. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 77 726 K t, which also marked the largest annual increase of 0.9% during the period.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of citrus fruit production in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 77 386 M $ US, showing a 1.2% increase from the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 3.8%, averaging an annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 76 503 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 81 549 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 6.2%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018 at 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported 1 725 K t of citrus fruit, reflecting a moderate 4.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 12.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 0.4%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain were the primary destinations for citrus fruit exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of volume. The United States accounted for 49.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 10.1%, and Spain for 5.0%, collectively representing 65.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of citrus fruit exports from Latin America and the Caribbean stood at 1 748 M $ US, marking a moderate 7.2% improvement over 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 8.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 762 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 7.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017–2020 period, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain consistently remained the top destinations for citrus fruit exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms. The United States accounted for 59.1% of exports, the Netherlands for 9.4%, and Spain for 4.3%, together making up 72.8% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports citrus fruit to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Citrus fruit imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second year in a row in 2020. The region imported 131 K t of citrus fruit that year, which was 11.4% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The peak import volume was in 2018 at 148 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 27.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Spain were the main suppliers of citrus fruit to Latin America and the Caribbean in terms of volume, together accounting for 23.8% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, citrus fruit imports into Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 171 M $ US, up by 6.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 29.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.0%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 at 23.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the 2017–2020 period, the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands were the primary sources of citrus fruit imports into Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms. The United States accounted for 34.5% of imports, Spain for 18.9%, and the Netherlands for 0.8%, collectively representing 54.2% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020