5,5% drop in citrus exports from the Southern hemisphere

According to the data released by Freshfel Europe and SHAFFE (Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters), the citrus production in the Southern Hemisphere reach for 2009 a level of 6.96 million tons, down by 4.7% compared to last year.

These global figures are however to be analysed in more detail to take into account variation of production in the different growing areas and the particular situation by products.

 

 

Indeed, Argentina and Uruguay are both expecting a 13% decrease of their citrus fruit production, while Peru is predicting a 2% decrease.

 

 

Conversely, Australia, South Africa and Chile are all expecting increases in their production, by 6%, 3% and 2% respectively.

 

 

On this basis oranges (-6.9%), easy peelers (-11.4%) and lemons (-1.5%) will have a lower production compared to last year. Grapefruit production will increase by almost 7%.
 

Regarding the Southern Hemisphere exports of citrus fruit for the coming season, the forecast is tabling a decrease by 5.5% compared to 2008.

 

 

For individual categories, the forecast is predicting a decrease for oranges (-2.9%), lemons (-18.4%) and easy peelers (-5.3%).

 

 

Similar to the production trends only grapefruit exports are showing an increase (14%).

 

 

Forecast for the Mediterranean area. Stocks remaining to be sold in Turkey, Spain, Morocco and Israel, are 8% higher than last year despite the fact that so far 13% more was moved into the market.