EU citrus crop set to fall to 9.9m tonnes in 2025/26

The European Union’s citrus production is projected at 9.9 million tonnes in MY 2025/26, down from 10.5 million tonnes the previous season, with lower output expected for oranges, mandarins and lemons, while grapefruit is the only category forecast to grow, according to the latest USDA FAS Citrus Annual (EU, post Madrid).

Orange

EU orange production is forecast at 5.635 million tonnes in 2025/26 (down from 5.933 million in 2024/25). Imports are seen rising to 1.0 million tonnes (from 961,000 tonnes), while exports stay low at about 310,000 tonnes.

Orange juice

With fewer oranges available for processing, EU orange juice production is forecast at 58,142 tonnes (Brix 65), down from 62,018 tonnes in 2024/25. Imports are projected at 360,000 tonnes (slightly above 349,653 tonnes).

Tangerines and mandarins

Mandarin/tangerine production is projected at 2.794 million tonnes (down from 2.970 million). Imports are forecast at 450,000 tonnes (down from 555,000 tonnes), while exports are seen at 290,000 tonnes.

Lemons and limes

EU lemon/lime production is forecast at 1.342 million tonnes, down from 1.525 million in 2024/25. Imports are projected at 600,000 tonnes (from 623,000 tonnes), while exports are seen edging up to 150,000 tonnes.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is the outlier, with production forecast to rise to 126,000 tonnes (from 112,000 tonnes). Imports are projected to ease to 190,000 tonnes, while exports are seen at 23,000 tonnes.

What’s driving the shift

The report points to extreme weather events (heat, drought-linked irrigation limits, hail, floods and heavy rains), higher pest and disease pressure, and rising production costs. It also notes a growing gap between total output and fruit meeting commercial standards in some areas due to quality issues such as “green peel.”

Read the full report.

source: fas.usda.gov

photo: fas.usda.gov