Oranges: rebound in Brazil vs smaller crops in China, US

Global orange production is forecast to rise 2.4 million tons on the previous year to 49.6 million for 2016/17 as a larger Brazilian crop more than offsets smaller ones in China and the US.

However that won’t translate to much of an increase in total exports, as most of the extra supplies will be used for processing, according to a new USDA report on world citrus markets.

The report says US production is forecast down 470,000 tons to 4.9 million tons as citrus greening continues to reduce area in Florida. Florida accounts for nearly 60% of US production and California about 40% but Florida’s oranges are mainly used for processing while California produces mainly for the fresh market. Overall, US exports of fresh oranges are set to decrease slightly.

South Africa will still account for nearly 25% of global trade in fresh oranges. The EU and Russia remain the top markets for South African oranges.

Morocco’s exports are forecast up nearly one-third on greater supplies.

source: Citrus: World Markets and Trade, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA, January 25, 2017