The World Citrus Organisation (WCO) released production and export forecasts for the 2026 Southern Hemisphere citrus season. The forecasts are based on information from the WCO network in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Africa and Uruguay.
ALL CITRUS
Total Southern Hemisphere citrus production is expected to decrease 5.86% from the previous year to 26.4 million tons. Exports, however, are expected to increase 3.96% to 4.7 million tons.
PRODUCTION BY VARIETY
Orange production is forecast to decrease by 8.37% to 17.5 million tons.
Soft citrus production is expected to decrease 0.84% to 3.4 million tons.
Lemon production is forecast to increase 2.36% to 3.1 million tons.
Lime production is forecast to decline by 9.64% to 1.7 million tons.
Grapefruit production is forecast at 567,477 tons, 21.21% above 2025.
These first estimates will be revised following the publication of the Fundecitrus forecast for Brazil on May 8.
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS A CONCERN
There is great concern in the citrus community over the direct or indirect impact of the Middle East crisis in the region and beyond. The concern regards logistics costs, availability and access to and costs of agricultural inputs such as fertilizer.
Consumption trends also remain a point of concern. Last year’s trade boom, namely from the Southern Hemisphere, did not reflect a stronger demand for citrus but rather a shortage of supply in the Mediterranean basin. Southern Hemisphere citrus producers filled that supply shortage.
For the new Southern Hemisphere season, a more careful approach to the supply is recommended in Europe as well as in the Middle East, where consumption drivers will have to be monitored.
CO-CHAIRS CONFIRMED
In other WCO news, the organization confirmed its team of co-chairs: Sergio del Castillo of Peru for the Southern Hemisphere and Badr Bennis of Morocco for the Northern Hemisphere. Theywill guide the work of the association over the next two years.
Source: World Citrus Organisation
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