Citrus fruit market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market in MERCOSUR saw its volume grow from 46.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 49.5 thousand tons in 2023, despite a dip in 2020. In value terms, the market contracted until 2021, falling to 32.0 billion US dollars, before rebounding to 38.7 billion US dollars in 2023. Initial years were supported by a 5% increase in the local orange harvest and expanding production, alongside steady consumer demand linked to health benefits like vitamin C content.

The market faced several challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 heightened consumer interest in citrus for immunity, yet logistical disruptions and a slight production drop led to a temporary market contraction. Subsequent years were marked by persistent logistical hurdles, container shortages, and the impact of citrus greening disease, which pressured productivity. However, significant investments in technology and new fruit varieties in regions like the São Francisco River Basin helped boost output from 2022 onward.

A shift in trade flows notably supported domestic market growth. From 2022, exports of fresh fruit faced difficulties, with volumes falling. This decline meant more produce remained available for the local market, aiding volume growth. Concurrently, rising citrus prices, influenced by climatic factors and frosts that affected supply, were a key driver behind the strong recovery in the market's value through 2023.

Production citrus fruit in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

In 2020, MERCOSUR produced 45 315 K t of citrus fruit, representing a moderate decline of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 0.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MERCOSUR's citrus fruit production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 34 552 M $ US, marking a 4.0% loss from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 19%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.8%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, foreign citrus fruit supplies from MERCOSUR increased. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 530.6 K t of citrus fruit, reflecting a modest gain of 4.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 3.4%, with an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 509.0 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and Russia were the key partners for MERCOSUR's citrus fruit exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 22.1% of exports, Spain for 15.5%, and Russia for 13.1%, together representing 50.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, citrus fruit volumes leaving MERCOSUR increased. In 2020, exports were recorded at 404.6 M $ US, showing a modest increase of 3.9% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 389.2 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and Russia accounted for the largest share of MERCOSUR's citrus fruit exports in value terms. The Netherlands represented 22.9% of exports, Spain 15.4%, and Russia 13.3%, together comprising 51.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of increase, cross-border shipments of citrus fruit to MERCOSUR declined. In 2020, imports stood at 43.2 K t, down by 16.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 51.7 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 16.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Chile, and Israel were the main sources of citrus fruit imports to MERCOSUR in kind. Spain accounted for 34.9% of imports, Chile for 3.9%, and Israel for 0.6%, together absorbing 39.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of rise, MERCOSUR's citrus fruit imports declined. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported approximately 42.8 M $ US of citrus fruit, down by 5.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 4.9%, with an annualized rate of 1.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 45.2 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.0%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Spain, Chile, and Israel were the primary suppliers of citrus fruit to MERCOSUR in value terms. Spain accounted for 59.0% of imports, Chile for 6.7%, and Israel for 1.1%, jointly representing 66.8% of total imports.

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

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