Tangerine production in 2023–24 in Türkiye (previously known as Turkey) is forecast to increase 55% to 2.88 million metric tons (MMT), according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS). The huge increase is due to favorable spring rains and temperature conditions during blossoming in March 2023.
The yield in Türkiye’s Aegean region is expected to increase more than 100%. However, rains in spring 2023 have caused the size of tangerines to be smaller than in previous seasons.
Satsuma is the most widely produced variety in the Aegean region. Eighty percent of total satsuma production is sent to exports.
Tangerines are the most produced citrus fruit in Türkiye, with 84% of the fruit being produced in the Mediterranean region. Satsuma is also the dominant variety in this region.
COST AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES
Tangerine producers in Türkiye are struggling with labor shortages and rising input costs, such as fuel, electricity, fertilizers and crop protectants. According to growers, tangerines are the most expensive fruit to produce.
Another problem facing tangerine producers is the effect of climate change, which has had a noticeable impact on the quality and quantity of fruit. Learn more about the impact of climate change on Turkish citrus here.
EXPORTS UP, IMPORTS DOWN
Tangerine exports for 2023–24 are forecast to jump to 1.3 MMT due to both high yield and quality. Most satsumas are being exported to Russia, Ukraine and Serbia. Tangerine exports in 2022–23 totaled 894,276 MT, valued at $520 million.
Tangerine imports in 2023–24 are expected to decrease slightly to 50,000 MT due to a surplus of domestic production. In 2022–23, Türkiye imported 52,000 MT of tangerines, mostly from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
See the full USDA FAS report on Turkish citrus here. In addition to tangerines, the report covers oranges, orange juice, lemons and grapefruit.
Source: USDA FAS
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