Severe frosts reduce lemon production in Argentina

The Argentine citrus sector is facing a challenging year. Lemon production is expected to be 10% to 15% lower than in previous years due to severe frosts that hit Tucumán last July. This was confirmed by José Carbonell, president of the Argentine Citrus Federation (Federcitrus), who noted that the province remains a global leader in both lemon production and industrial processing.

The current harvest, which began in April and will continue until August or September, is unfolding under unfavorable forecasts. Carbonell explained that last winter’s weather conditions have directly affected this season’s crop volumes, which is already evident in early reports.

Regarding the export market, he mentioned that shipments started with stable prices in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Ukraine, supported by reduced supply from Turkey and Spain, both affected by frost. However, sales to the U.S. market, a key destination in recent years, have not yet gained momentum, although activity is expected to pick up from May.

The economic situation adds further strain to the sector. Currently, Argentine lemon exports are subject to a 10% export duty, a cost that, according to Carbonell, varies depending on market conditions: when demand is strong, it is passed on to the consumer; when competition is high, the producer absorbs it.

Despite these difficulties, Argentina retains its position in the global lemon industry. Two out of every three kilos of industrial lemon products (juice, oil, peel) sold worldwide originate from Argentina. However, domestic consumption remains low, at around 200,000 tons per year, a modest figure compared to Chile, which consumes between 150,000 and 170,000 tons with a population two and a half times smaller.

source: infobae.com

photo: bichosdecampo.com