Orange production drops sharply in Mexico

Latest estimates indicate that severe drought conditions in many Mexican citrus producing states have led to a sharp reduction in volumes. The production of oranges should drop by 45%.

 

 

 

A USDA report on citrus fruits in Mexico predicts a sharp drop in orange production. The area planted for this 2019/20 campaign reached 342,885 hectares, an area similar to the previous marketing year.

 

 

 

For this 2019/20 campaign (November / October) the latest production estimates reach 2.53 million tonnes of oranges, 45% less than previous forecasts.

 

 

 

Because of the drought. High tree mortality is expected due to the prolonged high temperatures and lack of rain. According to producers in the state of Veracruz, a general replanting of orange trees is underway in order to revitalize the planted area.

 

 

 

Orange is the most widespread citrus fruit in Mexico, and the state of Veracruz is the largest producer with 50% of the total area planted and 55% of total national production. The other major producing states are Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Puebla, Sonora, all of which are expected to experience reduced production due to drought in this 2019/20 season.