Mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market for mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in Uruguay saw substantial growth from 2018 to 2021, with production increasing from 71 227 t to 99 736 t. This expansion was primarily driven by the sector's strategic varietal renewal program, initiated in 2010, which led to new plantings of seedless, easy-peeling varieties designed for export markets like the United States. Government support through the delivery of planting material and a focus on irrigated area further boosted output. The COVID-19 pandemic also provided a temporary boost in 2020 and 2021, as heightened demand for vitamin C-rich fruits supported both local and international sales.

After peaking in 2021, both production and market volume contracted significantly in 2022 and 2023, falling to 77 827 t. This decline was largely caused by extreme weather events, including severe frosts and heavy rains, which damaged crops and reduced fruit quality. The industry concurrently advanced its long-term strategy through genetic innovation, with new mandarin and orange varieties launched for better storage and consumer appeal, while working to secure phytosanitary access to new markets such as Mexico.

Production mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, 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

In 2020, Uruguay produced 77 800 tons of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids, marking a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. Production declined by 16.4% between 2017 and 2020, averaging an annualized rate of 5.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 71 227 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 23.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant increase, with production rising by 10.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids production in Uruguay increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 83 455 thousand US dollars, up 12.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 61 941 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 36.7%. The most notable increase occurred in 2019, with a 19.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

Mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids exports from Uruguay increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 32 567 tons, showing a strong year-over-year uptick of 15.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 8%, with a CAGR of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 27 661 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 21.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Brazil, and Russia remained the top buyers of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from Uruguay. The United States accounted for 57.8% of exports in kind, Brazil for 10.5%, and Russia for 10.2%. Together, these three countries represented 78.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids exports from Uruguay increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume amounted to 34 934 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep year-over-year rise of 31.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 6.2%, averaging an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 24 055 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 35.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—the United States, Russia, and Brazil—collectively accounted for 81.0% of the total export value of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from Uruguay.

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

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

Imports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, imports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids into Uruguay increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 54 tons, reflecting a sharp 32.1% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 26.6%, averaging an annualized rate of 9.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 41 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 40.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain and Argentina remained the main sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 99.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, deliveries of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids into Uruguay increased. In 2020, imports totaled 43 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 1.0% uptick from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 49.9%, with a CAGR of 20.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 43 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 34.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two countries—Spain and Argentina—concentrated the majority of imports in value terms, with a combined share of 99.5% of total flows.

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

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