Mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The mandarin market in Mercosur experienced modest fluctuations from 2018 to 2020. After a slight dip to 1 486 thousand tons in 2019, volume rebounded to 1 527 thousand tons in 2020. This recovery was supported by the introduction of new citrus varieties like the South African Valley Gold mandarin, which offered logistical and commercial advantages for the harvest window between Clementines and Nadorcott, enhancing production efficiency and market appeal.

Market volume peaked at 1 593 thousand tons in 2021 despite a concurrent drop in value to $1 259 million USD, indicating price pressures or shifts in product mix. The following year, volume contracted to 1 514 thousand tons as the industry underwent a notable transformation in cultivar composition. The share of satsumas and clementines rose to 56% while hybrids declined, altering export dynamics and contributing to production adjustments. By 2023, volume eased further to 1 493 thousand tons, though value recovered to $1 369 million USD, reflecting stabilized prices and continued commercialization of protected club varieties.

Looking at 2024, extreme weather events in Uruguay affected citrus yields and quality, while the Mercosur-European Union agreement presented an opportunity to re-enter the European market. Supply pressure increased in Argentina due to higher seasonal output, and adjustments to EU phytosanitary inspections for Mercosur citrus imports signaled evolving trade conditions.

Production mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

World map of production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, MERCOSUR's production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids has rebounded. In 2019, output reached its lowest point at 1 533 K t, but by 2020, it rose to 1 576 K t, marking a modest increase of 2.8% compared to the previous year. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 1.6% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of contraction, the production value of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids in MERCOSUR has turned upward. In 2019, the value hit a low of 1 406 M $ US, but in 2020, it climbed to 1 490 M $ US, reflecting a limited rise of 6.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production value fell by 8.5%, translating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.9%. The steepest decline was in 2018, at 12.6%.

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

Exports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

MERCOSUR's exports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 57 587 t, showing little change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 22.2%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of -8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and the United States each accounted for 27.4% of MERCOSUR's exports in kind, while the Philippines made up 10.3%. Together, these three markets represented 65.2% of total export 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, K $ US

After a two-year downturn, MERCOSUR's export value for mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids has increased. In 2019, exports reached their minimum at 52 840 K $ US, but by 2020, they rose to 54 455 K $ US, up 3.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value decreased by 29.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -10.9%. The largest decline was in 2018, at 30.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the top buyer of MERCOSUR's mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids in value terms, with a 32.9% share. Russia followed at 26.3%, and the Philippines at 10.3%. Combined, these three countries comprised 69.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

MERCOSUR's imports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids in kind fell sharply in 2020, totaling 9 092 t, a robust decline of 10.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 13.6%, with a CAGR of 4.3%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 7 895 t, while the peak was in 2019 at 10 152 t, which saw the largest increase of 28.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the primary source for MERCOSUR's imports in kind, representing 46.9% of total flows.

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, K $ US

MERCOSUR's import value for mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 765 K $ US, a small gain of 2.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, import value increased by 26.1%, corresponding to a CAGR of 8.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain was the leading partner for MERCOSUR's imports in value terms, holding a 63.0% share of total flows.

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

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