Oranges market in Cuba

Earlier Report Observations

The Cuban orange market entered a steep decline from 2018, with volume falling from 20 940 tons to 9 988 tons by 2020. This drop was driven by the widespread citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing or HLB), which severely damaged orchards and reduced yields. The situation was exacerbated in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international supply chains, hindering the import of vital agricultural equipment and inputs needed for recovery.

Market volume continued to contract after 2020, reaching 7 518 tons in 2022. Persistent structural inefficiencies within Cuba's state-dominated agricultural sector, including chronic low productivity and outdated infrastructure, prevented any recovery. Although the number of small and medium-sized private enterprises (MIPYMEs) grew during this period, they could not compensate for the production shortfalls in the large, underperforming state-run farms.

By 2023, the market had collapsed to just 1 847 tons, reflecting the cumulative impact of disease, external shocks, and systemic weaknesses. Regulatory updates to customs and import rules between 2022 and 2024 influenced the availability of agricultural resources but were insufficient to alter the market's prolonged downward trajectory.

Production oranges in Cuba

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

Cuba's orange production volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 9,988 tonnes of oranges, representing a significant reduction of 49.7% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 67.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 31.1%.

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

Exports oranges from Cuba

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 110.8 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 387.3 tonnes, creating a 3.5-fold difference between these two years. The 2019 figure marked a steep decline of 71.4% compared to 2018. The largest annual increase was observed in 2018, when exports grew by 22.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France remained the dominant buyer of Cuban oranges, accounting for 88.2% of total exports in volume terms. The remaining 11.8% was distributed among numerous other countries with smaller individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Orange deliveries from Cuba reached their peak value in 2018, then fell to their lowest point in 2019, creating a 2.1-fold gap between these years. In 2019, exports amounted to 80.0 thousand US dollars, representing a decline of 52.0% compared to 2018. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 166.5 thousand US dollars. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, when export value grew by 62.6%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, France concentrated 82.6% of Cuba's total orange export value. The remaining 17.4% was shared among many other countries, each with relatively small individual shares.

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

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

Imports oranges to Cuba

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Cuba's orange import volume amounted to just 0.2 tonnes, marking a dramatic decline of 99.9% compared to the previous year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Chile effectively monopolized Cuba's orange imports in volume terms, accounting for 99.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Cuba's orange import value reached 6.3 thousand US dollars, representing a steep decline of 97.2% compared to 2019.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Cuba's dependence on Chile was particularly pronounced in value terms, with this market accounting for 95.9% of total orange imports.

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

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