Fall in global orange crop

Global orange production for 2022/23 is projected to drop by 5% year-on-year to 47.8 million tons as smaller crops in the European Union, Turkey, and the United States are only partially offset by a larger crop in Egypt. According to the latest USDA report, the lower production is expected to reduce consumption and the volume of fruit going to processing. 

US production is estimated to drop by over a quarter to 2.3 million tons, the lowest level in over 56 years. Yields continue to decline in Florida due to fruit drop caused by citrus greening, reduced area harvested and high winds from hurricanes. Consumption and exports are flat while oranges for processing are lower due to the drop in Florida production.

Brazil’s production is forecast down 179,000 tons to 16.8 million as a result of an off year and thus lower fruit load per tree. However, assuming there is also a reduced early fruit drop rate due to favourable weather, there should be increased average weight of oranges harvested. Consumption is forecast to be relatively unchanged while fruit for processing is expected to fall due to the reduced available supplies.

China production is projected to hit a record 7.6 million tons due to a growth in orchard area. Consumption is estimated up with the higher production. Imports are expected up on higher domestic demand and exports are anticipated to go down as more fruit goes to domestic consumption. 

European Union production is expected to fall by 13% to 5.9 million tons due to drought conditions in Spain and Italy. The reduced domestic availability is expected to be only partially offset by imports. As a result of the lower supplies, fresh consumption, fruit for processing, and exports are down. Egypt and South Africa are expected to continue to be the leading suppliers to the EU.