Oranges market in Sri Lanka

Earlier Report Observations

The orange market in Sri Lanka expanded from 15 504 tons in 2018 to 16 653 tons in 2019, driven by the growing presence of supermarket chains and enhanced visual merchandising techniques that encouraged impulse purchases of fresh produce.

Market volume then declined to 13 768 tons in 2020 as new regulations from the Consumer Affairs Authority and the revised Securities and Exchange Commission Act introduced stricter trade controls. After a slight dip in 2021, the market fell sharply to 10 008 tons in 2022 when COVID-19 pandemic disruptions altered consumer buying patterns and supply chains.

A partial recovery to 10 276 tons occurred in 2023, supported by increased digital marketing efforts targeting organic food trends, which boosted consumer interest in oranges as a healthy option.

Production oranges in Sri Lanka

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

Sri Lanka's orange production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9,180 tonnes of oranges, marking a moderate 3.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 30.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sri Lanka in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports oranges from Sri Lanka

Exports in kind, t

The export market for oranges from Sri Lanka experienced significant volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at just 1 tonne, while the peak was reached in 2018 with 196 tonnes, resulting in a 170-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports rebounded sharply to 108 tonnes, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 9,203.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 99.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, surging by 9,708.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and India were the main markets for Sri Lanka's orange exports in volume terms. Hong Kong accounted for 56.5% of exports, while Malaysia and India each contributed 16.4%. Together, these three destinations represented 89.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of orange exports from Sri Lanka showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 2,000 US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 with 205,000 US dollars, creating an 83-fold gap between these years. In 2020, exports rose steeply to 61,000 US dollars, reflecting a 2,390.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 98.8%, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, jumping by 4,435.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, Hong Kong, Maldives, and India were the principal destinations for Sri Lanka's orange exports in value terms. Hong Kong led with 60.2% of exports, followed by Maldives at 16.8% and India at 15.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 92.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports oranges to Sri Lanka

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Sri Lanka imported 4,696 tonnes of oranges from abroad, which represents a sharp decrease of 39.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports declined by 45.9%, with an average annual decrease of 18.5%. The largest increase in imports was recorded in 2019, rising by 8.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, South Africa, and Australia were the leading sources of orange imports to Sri Lanka in volume terms. Egypt accounted for 41.7% of imports, South Africa for 36.3%, and Australia for 15.8%. Together, these three countries made up 93.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Sri Lanka imported oranges worth 3,619,000 US dollars, down by 31.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 42.4%, equating to an average annual decline of 16.8%. The largest increase in import value was recorded in 2019, rising by 5.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, South Africa, Egypt, and Australia were the three principal markets for orange imports to Sri Lanka in value terms. Together, they accounted for 95.0% of total import value.

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

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