Chile expects 6% rise in citrus exports in 2026

Chile’s Citrus Committee projects citrus exports to reach 530,000 tonnes in the 2026 season, up 6% from 499,204 tonnes in 2025. The sector has shown steady growth since 2022, according to Frutas de Chile.

Lemons are expected to record the strongest increase. Export volume is forecast at 131,000 tonnes, 14% above last season’s 115,050 tonnes.

Orange exports are projected at 134,000 tonnes, up 10% from 121,694 tonnes in 2025.

Clementine shipments are expected to grow 5%, reaching 75,000 tonnes compared with 71,550 tonnes last season.

Mandarins will remain Chile’s largest citrus export category by volume, with shipments estimated at 190,000 tonnes, almost unchanged from 190,910 tonnes in 2025.

Monserrat Valenzuela, president of the Citrus Committee, said the figures reflect the sector’s efforts to stay competitive and meet international market requirements. She also noted that the season will bring commercial and logistics challenges, especially as the United States receives around 80% of Chilean citrus exports.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl