Turkey’s citrus output reshaped by frost, with mandarins driving exports in 2025/26

Turkey’s citrus sector is heading into the 2025/26 season under mixed conditions, with weather damage affecting some categories while export opportunities remain active for others, according to the latest USDA GAIN report.

Orange

Orange production for the 2025/26 season is forecast at around 1.3 million tonnes, down 15% year on year, following widespread frost damage in spring 2025. Exports are expected to decline to about 130,000 tonnes, with Russia, Ukraine, Iraq, Georgia and Romania as the main destinations. Imports remain limited at around 23,000 tonnes, mainly sourced from Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Mandarin

Mandarins are the strongest-performing citrus category this season, with production forecast to rise to approximately 2.19 million tonnes, up 10%, as early varieties such as Okitsu and Mihowase were less affected by frost. The Adana region alone is expected to produce over 1 million tonnes. Exports are projected to surge to around 1 million tonnes, an increase of nearly 60%, driven by demand from Russia, Iraq and Ukraine. Imports are marginal at around 30,000 tonnes, again mainly from TRNC. Satsuma mandarins remain heavily export-oriented, particularly from the Aegean region.

Lemon

Lemon production is forecast to fall sharply to around 1.1 million tonnes, down 35%, due to frost and cold spells in March and April 2025. Exports are expected to decline to approximately 350,000 tonnes, following supply constraints and regulatory uncertainty earlier in the year. Key export varieties include Interdonato and Lamas, with Iraq, Russia, Poland and Romania among the principal markets.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit production is forecast at around 150,000 tonnes, broadly unchanged from the previous season. Export volumes are expected to remain steady at around 90,000 tonnes, mainly destined for Russia, Romania and Ukraine, with Adana accounting for the majority of output.

Structural and compliance challenges

The report flags ongoing challenges across the citrus sector, including Mediterranean fruit fly, weak orchard management practices, and limited cold-storage capacity. It also highlights increased export rejections in 2024 linked to pesticide residue issues, notably chlorpyrifos, particularly in shipments to the EU and UK. Low unit export prices — cited at around US$468 per tonne — combined with higher compliance costs and logistics constraints, continue to pressure exporter margins.

Read the full report here.

source: gain.fas.usda.gov

graphics: tuik.gov.tr, gain.fas.usda.gov