Oranges market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the orange market volume in Latin America and the Caribbean grew to nearly 26 000 thousand metric tons. This expansion was supported by strong export demand for Brazilian orange juice after Hurricane Irma damaged U.S. production, increasing processing needs for oranges. Promotional campaigns in Europe also boosted the image of orange juice as a health drink. However, citrus greening disease began to affect Brazilian orchards during this period.

Market volume declined in 2020 and 2021, falling to around 25 200 thousand metric tons. The COVID-19 pandemic raised demand for vitamin C-rich orange juice, but this was offset by significant reductions in orange harvests. Adverse weather conditions and the continued spread of greening disease severely limited production across key growing regions, leading to a smaller domestic supply.

A recovery phase began in 2022, with market volume rising to over 27 000 thousand metric tons by 2023. High global demand for orange juice, coupled with low international stocks, maintained elevated prices and encouraged production. Investments in phytosanitary protocols to meet export requirements and shifting consumer preferences toward healthy beverages helped the market grow despite persistent challenges from greening and unfavorable weather.

Production oranges in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean produced 25 701 thousand tons of oranges, representing a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 2.7% reduction, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, orange production in Latin America and the Caribbean saw an upturn. In 2020, the output was valued at 20 864 million US dollars, marking a substantial 19.3% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was observed in 2019 at 17 484 million US dollars, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018, with an 8.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports oranges from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

Orange exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 263.8 thousand tons, down by 2.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.8%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.7%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 286.2 thousand tons, with the largest decrease occurring in 2019 at 5.1%, and the smallest increase recorded in 2018 at 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, orange exports in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 30.4% of exports, Spain for 9.0%, and the Netherlands for 6.1%, collectively making up 45.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, orange exports from Latin America and the Caribbean rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 214.2 million US dollars, showing a strong 18.1% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 181.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 8.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for orange exports in value terms from Latin America and the Caribbean. The United States held 52.5% of exports, Spain 9.7%, and the Netherlands 6.2%, together accounting for 68.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports oranges to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Orange imports into Latin America and the Caribbean fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 76.7 thousand tons, a 13.8% decrease from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 92.6 thousand tons, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and Spain remained the leading sources for orange imports in kind to Latin America and the Caribbean, jointly representing 20.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign orange supplies to Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 93.8 million US dollars, up by 10.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 39%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 3.6%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 31.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over 2017–2020, the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands were the top suppliers of oranges to Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms. The United States contributed 34.5% of imports, Spain 22.5%, and the Netherlands 1.0%, with their combined share reaching 58.0% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020