US citrus output set to fall by 21%

The decline in US citrus production shows no sign of abating. This campaign’s crop of 6.2 million tons is expected to be 21% lower than last season. The reduction in output is common to all of the major citrus fruits, with orange and grapefruit the most affected. Indeed, orange production is set to fall by 25% and grapefruit volumes by 22%. Likewise, the decline is common to all of the four largest producing states, with Florida being the most affected due to the damage wreaked by Hurricane Irma. The low supplies are leading to higher citrus prices in the domestic market.