Citrus fruit market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the citrus fruit market volume in Argentina showed mixed dynamics. Initial growth to 55.5 million tons in 2019 was supported by rising consumer demand for healthy diets, which stimulated production. However, in 2020, the market contracted by 3.3% to 53.7 million tons due to persistent logistical problems and high internal costs that limited sector efficiency.

During the subsequent period from 2021 to 2023, the market demonstrated steady growth, reaching 59.3 million tons in 2023. This expansion was driven by increased demand for citrus juices and processed products, a strong recovery in domestic consumption of fresh fruit, and continued measures to stimulate exports such as tax reductions. In 2023, despite a 15% drop in sweet citrus exports, the domestic market compensated for this decline, supporting overall volume.

For 2024, key developments included the approval of cold treatment for citrus fruits in key export markets like the U.S. and Japan, aimed at improving product quality and shelf life. These changes are focused on enhancing the competitiveness of Argentine citrus, alongside ongoing efforts to diversify export destinations.

Production citrus fruit in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

In 2019, South America produced 56,499 K t of citrus fruit, marking the highest output in recent years. However, production declined slightly in 2020 to 54,836 K t, representing a 2.9% decrease from the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, when production grew by 1.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's citrus fruit production has been declining for three consecutive years. In 2020, the value of citrus fruit output was 53,553 M $ US, showing a slight drop of 0.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 9.6%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from South America

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, South America's citrus fruit exports reached 1,204 K t, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 13.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 20.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 4.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain were the main markets for South America's citrus fruit exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 35.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 14.1%, and Spain for 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 57.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, South America's citrus fruit exports amounted to 1,175 M $ US, reflecting a strong gain of 16.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,012 M $ US, when exports declined by 10.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain played leading roles in South America's citrus fruit exports by value. The United States accounted for 43.0% of export value, the Netherlands for 12.7%, and Spain for 6.5%. Collectively, these three markets represented 62.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to South America

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, South America's citrus fruit imports declined in 2020. Imports reached 64 K t, representing a solid contraction of 13.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 73 K t, following the largest increase of 5.6% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and the United States were the primary sources for South America's citrus fruit imports in volume terms, together accounting for 31.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, South America's citrus fruit imports from abroad declined in 2020. Imports were recorded at 77 M $ US, indicating a decrease of 3.9% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 11%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 80 M $ US, following the largest increase of 12.4% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the United States, and Israel were the main suppliers of citrus fruit to South America in value terms. Spain accounted for 34.4% of import value, the United States for 19.8%, and Israel for 0.6%. Together, these three countries formed 54.8% of total imports by value.

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

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