Argentine orange and tangerine production are both forecast to decline in 2024–25 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS). Orange production is projected at 620,000 metric tons (MT), down from 760,000 MT the prior year. Tangerine production is projected at 200,000 MT, down from 280,000 MT.
REGIONS AND VARIETIES
Sweet citrus is grown in both the northwestern (oranges) and northeastern (oranges and tangerines) regions of Argentina. The main orange varieties grown in northwestern Argentina are Hamlin, Pineapple, Robertson and Navel. In the northeast, the main varieties are Navel, Salustiana and improved Valencia (Midknight and Delta Seedless). The main tangerine varieties are Clementina, Clemenvilla, Ellendale, Malvasio, Montenegrina, Murcott and Ortanique.
Projected planted area for 2024–25 remains unchanged for oranges and tangerines at 37,000 hectares and 26,900 hectares, respectively. There has been no significant investment in area expansion in recent years.
LESS PROCESSING
The volume of oranges projected for processing in 2024–2025 is expected to decrease to 220,000 MT, down from 231,000 the prior year. The volume of tangerines destined for processing is projected to decrease to 40,000 MT, down from 50,000 MT.
TRADE OUTLOOK
For 2024–25, fresh orange exports are forecast at 52,000 MT, down from 61,600 MT the prior year. Fresh tangerine exports are forecast at 20,000 MT, down from 33,600 MT.
Export declines for both fruits are due to poor economic and financial conditions, as well as fierce competition from Southern Hemisphere competitors, primarily South Africa, and other non-traditional competitors such as Peru, Chile and Uruguay. The opening of the U.S. market is a priority, as Argentina is running out of options in other markets.
USDA FAS projects orange imports by Argentina will reach 2,000 MT in 2024–25, down from 3,000 MT in 2023–2024. Tangerine imports are expected to remain steady at 1,000 MT.
See the full USDA FAS report on Argentine citrus here.
Source: USDA FAS
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