China Leads Global Citrus Market, Exports Surge Across All Categories

The China: Citrus Annual report recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service reaffirms China’s position as the world’s largest citrus producer. In 2023, China achieved a 7% increase in citrus production to reach a total output exceeding 64 million metric tons. Despite challenges such as early spring cold snaps and the spread of citrus greening disease, the report forecasts continued growth in the 2024/25 season.

Oranges

China’s orange production in the 2024/25 season (November to October) is projected to reach 7.62 million metric tons, slightly lower than the revised estimate for 2023/24. This is despite persistent rainfall during April and May combined with high temperatures in August and September somewhat threatening production. Citrus greening disease remains a concern in Jiangxi and Guangxi provinces, with some rumors of acreage reduction due to lower market prices and competition from other crops.

Orange imports in 2024/25 are expected to decrease by 6% to 150,000 metric tons. Imported oranges, typically sold at premium prices, are less attractive during periods of weak consumer demand. In the 2023/24 season, fresh orange imports fell by 22%, which was primarily attributable to ample domestic supply.

Meanwhile, orange exports in 2024/25 are forecast to rise to 160,000 metric tons, driven by strong demand from Asian countries and competitive pricing. China’s regional trade initiatives, including diplomatic efforts, preferential agreements and improved infrastructure such as the China–Laos railway, have bolstered exports. In 2023/24, orange exports surged by more than 220%, with shipments to Malaysia increasing 10-fold and exports to Vietnam up by 92%.

Mandarins and Tangerines

China’s mandarin and tangerine production in 2024/25 is projected to increase slightly to 27.0 million metric tons. Although citrus greening disease, excessive rainfall during the flowering period, and high temperatures in Sichuan, Hubei and Hunan have caused setbacks, increased output in other regions is expected to offset these losses.

Mandarin and tangerine imports in 2024/25 are forecast to rebound to 50,000 metric tons, benefiting from improved quality and production by key suppliers such as South Africa and Australia. In the 2023/24 season, imports fell by 34.7%, with notable declines from South Africa (−25.6%), Australia (−16%) and Peru (−77%). However, imports from the United States rose by 56%.

Mandarin and tangerine exports reached 1.097 million metric tons in 2023/24 and are expected to climb further to 1.2 million metric tons in 2024/25. Major export destinations include Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Indonesia and Thailand, with Vietnam accounting for over one-third of total exports.

Grapefruit and Pomelos

China’s grapefruit and pomelo production in 2024/25 is forecast to rise slightly to 5.25 million metric tons. While Fujian and Guangdong remain key growing regions, cultivation has significantly expanded in Guangxi and Jiangxi, with a focus on pomelos and hybrid grapefruit varieties. Domestic consumption is expected to stay robust at 5.05 million metric tons.

China imported 89,220 metric tons of grapefruit and pomelos during the 2023/24 season, a 17.8% year-on-year increase. Imports for 2024/25 are expected to remain steady at around 90,000 metric tons. Key suppliers include South Africa, Laos, Thailand, Egypt and Israel.

Exports of grapefruit and pomelos in 2024/25 are projected to grow by 12.7% to 230,000 metric tons, driven by growing international demand. Top export markets include the Netherlands, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Romania and Canada. In 2023/24, exports surged by 34%, with shipments to the Netherlands rising by 42% and those to Russia increasing by 22%.

Overall, China’s citrus industry continues to dominate the global market, bolstered by diverse regional production and shifting consumer trends. Guangxi and Guangdong lead in terms of cultivation, contributing 38% of the national total, followed by Hunan and Hubei at 20%, Jiangxi and Fujian at 16%, and Chongqing and Sichuan also at 16%, with rising output in Yunnan and Guizhou. With competitive pricing, strong international demand and strategic trade initiatives, China remains firmly positioned as a global leader in citrus production and exports.

Images: Pixabay (main image), U.S. Department of Agriculture (body images)

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.