The USDA recently released a report on the 2022/23 citrus season for the European Union (EU). Citrus production is forecast to decrease by 10%, amounting to 10.4 million metric tonnes (MMT). This decline primarily affects oranges and lemons and is slightly lower than previous estimates, chiefly attributable to significant decreases expected in Spain. These declines have been caused by unfavourable weather conditions, including spring rains in 2022, which negatively impacted flowering and fruit setting, as well as a severe drought in 2023.
There is also a projected fall in domestic consumption due to rising citrus prices; the EU citrus supply is not expected to be supplemented by higher imports, with the exception of oranges. The EU has recently been importing oranges from South Africa. Accordingly, the Mintec price for Spanish oranges [Mintec Code: 7A36] currently stands at €1.40/kg, reflecting a 75% year-on-year increase.