Brazil’s citrus sector sees downturn in industrial-use oranges and surge in Tahiti lime exports

In late February 2025, prices for industrial-use oranges in Brazil experienced a notable decline, primarily due to reduced fruit quality and falling international orange juice prices. Between February 24-27, the average price stood at BRL 74.29 ($12.59) per 40.8-kilogram box, according to local media.​

Industry experts have observed a decline in orange quality since the year's start, particularly in the brix-acid ratio, which influences juice sweetness and acidity. This deterioration is linked to the 2024/25 harvest season, characterized by multiple blooming cycles, resulting in a mix of ripe and unripe fruits. This variability complicates standardization in processing, affecting overall juice quality.​

The reduced supply and inconsistent fruit quality have also impacted Brazil's orange juice exports. Data from Comex Stat indicates that from July 2024 to January 2025, Brazil exported 1.09 million tons of not-from-concentrate (NFC) orange juice (NCM 20091200), marking a 3.4% decrease compared to the same period in the previous season.​

Surge in Tahiti lime exports

Contrasting the challenges in the orange sector, Brazil's Tahiti lime exports have shown remarkable growth. In January 2025, exports reached 17,150 tons, setting a monthly record and reflecting an 18.1% increase compared to January 2024. Revenue from these exports totaled $14.826 million, a 13.4% rise over the previous year.

source: cepea.esalq.usp.br

photo: frutasdobrasil.org