Citrus fruit market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market in Southern Asia expanded from 38 394 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 44 055 thousand metric tons in 2022. This growth was initially supported by increased production in India, where mandarins, sweet oranges, and limes became major contributors, aided by state-owned research institutes like the ICAR Central Citrus Research Institute. The adoption of good agricultural practices and advanced post-harvest management techniques enhanced fruit quality and export viability, further boosting market volume.

Continued growth through 2022 was driven by sustained consumer preference for health-conscious fresh produce and research efforts to improve yield reliability. The implementation of crop-specific DUS testing guidelines for citrus varieties strengthened quality control, supporting both domestic consumption and export activities.

In 2023, the market volume experienced a modest decline to 43 129 thousand metric tons. This coincided with volatility in import prices for oranges in major importing countries, which affected export strategies and demand. Meanwhile, the Australia-India free trade agreement continued to provide improved market access for exports.

Production citrus fruit in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's citrus fruit production has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 42 392 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, up 0.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 21.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Southern Asia's citrus fruit production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 21 291 million US dollars, a decrease of 2.0% compared to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 10.3%, with an annualized rate of 3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 21 732 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.9%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Southern Asia's citrus fruit exports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 592.9 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, marking a strong increase of 16.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 101.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. Russia accounted for 17.1% of exports, Iraq for 16.2%, and Indonesia for 6.7%, together making up only 40.0% of total flows. The remaining 60.0% was distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported citrus fruit volumes from Southern Asia have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value totaled 297.8 million US dollars, showing a gain of 13.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 82.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.1%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, Russia, Iraq, and Indonesia were key buyers of citrus fruit from Southern Asia in value terms. Russia accounted for 20.4% of exports, Iraq for 16.7%, and Indonesia for 7.4%, but their combined share reached only 44.5% of total exports. The remaining 55.5% was spread across numerous other partners.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, citrus fruit imports to Southern Asia increased. In 2020, the region imported 256.0 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, which is 24.6% more year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 10.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 205.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.5%.

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

The country composition of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. South Africa accounted for 18.9% of imports, Uganda for 8.7%, and Egypt for 7.1%, together forming just 34.7% of total flows. The remaining 65.3% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports varied significantly, with a low in 2018 and a high in 2020, resulting in a 2.5-fold difference. In 2020, Southern Asia imported 315.0 million US dollars of citrus fruit, representing an abrupt gain of 84.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 124.8 million US dollars, and the largest decline also occurred in 2018 at 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of citrus fruit to Southern Asia were spread relatively evenly. South Africa accounted for 23.7% of imports, China for 12.9%, and Egypt for 11.3%, jointly making up only 48.0% of total flows.

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

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