A complex situation for Spanish oranges and lemons

As far as citrus fruits are concerned, Spain is the world's 6th largest producer and 1st largest exporter of fresh citrus fruits. 

 

Local media quote Ministry of Agriculture data revealing that in 2023 Spain exported oranges worth an estimated 1,203.32 million euros and lemons worth an estimated 798.86 million euros. In 2023, Spain imported oranges worth 188.40 million euros and lemons worth 70.44 million euros.

 

Despite these positive findings, the situation for Spanish oranges and lemons is complex: 

.orange: high temperatures led to a drop in production volumes. This has not led to an increase in the prices paid to Spanish growers. According to professionals, orange prices are in free fall.

.lemon: production volumes are overabundant and have caused prices paid to Spanish growers to fall. This has forced growers to leave up to 400 million kilos of lemons on the trees.

 

Agricultural organizations such as Asaja and UPA also point to the role played by imports from Egypt, South Africa and Turkey, which, by offering lower prices, are also pushing down Spanish citrus prices.

All these factors have been compounded by a drop in Spanish household consumption, which can be explained by the inflationary episode of recent months. Quantities consumed are now below pre-pandemic levels.