Citrus Fruit Market

The global citrus fruit market is projected to show continued growth in consumption over the next eight years, with a forecasted increase in market volume and value. China leads in both consumption and production of citrus fruits, with Spain as the largest exporter. Various trends in consumption, production, and exports are analyzed in detail to provide a comprehensive overview of the market dynamics.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for citrus fruits worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 195M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +4.1% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $228.5B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Citrus Fruit

For the eleventh consecutive year, the global market recorded growth in consumption of citrus fruits, which increased by 1.6% to 167M tons in 2022. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 4.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, global consumption attained the peak volume in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

The global citrus fruit market size reached $165.7B in 2022, remaining constant against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the global market hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Consumption By Country

China (48M tons) remains the largest citrus fruit consuming country worldwide, accounting for 29% of total volume. Moreover, citrus fruit consumption in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, Brazil (20M tons), twofold. India (15M tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in China totaled +4.5%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: Brazil (-0.3% per year) and India (+6.9% per year).

In value terms, China ($70.3B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($10.2B). It was followed by Brazil.

In China, the citrus fruit market increased at an average annual rate of +8.4% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of market growth: the United States (-0.9% per year) and Brazil (+0.4% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of citrus fruit per capita consumption in 2022 were Brazil (91 kg per person), Argentina (66 kg per person) and Mexico (65 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Vietnam (with a CAGR of +8.3%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Consumption By Type

The products with the highest volumes of consumption in 2022 were oranges (76M tons), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (44M tons) and lemons and limes (21M tons), together accounting for 85% of global consumption.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the leading consumed products, was attained by tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (with a CAGR of +4.6%), while consumption for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of citrus fruits in terms of market size were tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas ($54.7B), oranges ($54.3B) and citrus fruits not elsewhere classified ($26.9B), together comprising 82% of the global market.

Tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas, with a CAGR of +7.0%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to market size in terms of the main consumed products over the period under review, while market for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

World Production of Citrus Fruit

In 2022, the amount of citrus fruits produced worldwide totaled 168M tons, increasing by 2% compared with the previous year's figure. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 5.4%. Over the period under review, global production reached the maximum volume in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by a temperate expansion of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

In value terms, citrus fruit production fell slightly to $175.6B in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +76.7% against 2012 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. Global production peaked at $175.8B in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Production By Country

China (48M tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of citrus fruit production, accounting for 29% of total volume. Moreover, citrus fruit production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Brazil (20M tons), twofold. India (15M tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 9.1% share.

In China, citrus fruit production increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Brazil (-0.3% per year) and India (+6.8% per year).

Production By Type

The products with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were oranges (77M tons), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (44M tons) and lemons and limes (22M tons), together comprising 85% of global production.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the leading produced products, was attained by tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (with a CAGR of +4.6%), while production for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, oranges ($59.1B), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas ($57.7B) and citrus fruits not elsewhere classified ($29.5B) constituted the products with the highest levels of production in 2022, together accounting for 83% of global production.

Citrus fruits not elsewhere classified, with a CAGR of +11.1%, saw the highest growth rate of market size in terms of the main produced products over the period under review, while production for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Yield

In 2022, the global average citrus fruit yield fell modestly to 16 tons per ha, approximately mirroring 2021. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 1.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average citrus fruit yield attained the peak level at 16 tons per ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure.

Harvested Area

The global citrus fruit harvested area rose modestly to 11M ha in 2022, growing by 2.6% against the year before. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 4.6% against the previous year. The global harvested area peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports

World Imports of Citrus Fruit

Global citrus fruit imports shrank to 16M tons in 2022, with a decrease of -9.2% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 6.6% against the previous year. Global imports peaked at 18M tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, citrus fruit imports fell to $15.8B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 14%. Global imports peaked at $17.1B in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

Imports By Country

In 2022, the United States (1,527K tons), Russia (1,440K tons), the Netherlands (1,339K tons), Germany (1,089K tons), France (1,061K tons), the UK (724K tons), Poland (500K tons), Canada (479K tons), Iraq (424K tons), the United Arab Emirates (403K tons), Italy (398K tons) and China (383K tons) represented the main importer of citrus fruits in the world, constituting 61% of total import. Ukraine (275K tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by China (with a CAGR of +11.7%), while imports for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest citrus fruit importing markets worldwide were the United States ($1.8B), Germany ($1.4B) and the Netherlands ($1.3B), together accounting for 29% of global imports.

The United States, with a CAGR of +11.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

In 2022, oranges (6.2M tons), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (5M tons) and lemons and limes (3.8M tons) represented the main type of citrus fruits in the world, comprising 93% of total import. It was distantly followed by grapefruits (958K tons), creating a 6% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key imported products, was attained by lemons and limes (with a CAGR of +4.5%), while imports for the other products experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest types of imported citrus fruits were tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas ($5.5B), oranges ($5.2B) and lemons and limes ($4.1B), together accounting for 93% of global imports.

Lemons and limes, with a CAGR of +6.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main imported products over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

In 2022, the average citrus fruit import price amounted to $988 per ton, picking up by 2.2% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 8.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major imported products. In 2022, major imported products recorded the following prices: in citrus fruits not elsewhere classified ($1,248 per ton) and lemons and limes ($1,098 per ton), while the price for oranges ($837 per ton) and grapefruits ($996 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by citrus fruits not elsewhere classified (+3.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

The average citrus fruit import price stood at $988 per ton in 2022, growing by 2.2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.6%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 an increase of 8.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($1,414 per ton), while Iraq ($321 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+4.0%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Citrus Fruit

Global citrus fruit exports reduced to 17M tons in 2022, shrinking by -5.6% compared with 2021 figures. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 8.3%. The global exports peaked at 18M tons in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

In value terms, citrus fruit exports declined to $15B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $16.5B. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the global exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports By Country

The shipments of the three major exporters of citrus fruits, namely Spain, South Africa and Turkey, represented more than third of total export. It was distantly followed by China (876K tons), Egypt (828K tons), the Netherlands (818K tons) and Mexico (789K tons), together mixing up a 20% share of total exports. Morocco (629K tons), the United States (546K tons), Greece (419K tons), Argentina (347K tons), Pakistan (274K tons) and Chile (270K tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for South Africa (with a CAGR of +5.2%), while shipments for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Spain ($3.9B) remains the largest citrus fruit supplier worldwide, comprising 26% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($1.7B), with an 11% share of global exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 7% share.

In Spain, citrus fruit exports expanded at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Africa (+6.7% per year) and the Netherlands (+4.7% per year).

Exports By Type

The products with the highest levels of citrus fruit exports in 2022 were oranges (6.6M tons), tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas (5.4M tons) and lemons and limes (3.9M tons), together accounting for 94% of total export. It was distantly followed by grapefruits (939K tons), generating a 5.6% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exported products, was attained by lemons and limes (with a CAGR of +4.1%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, tangerines, mandarins, clementines, satsumas ($5.3B), oranges ($4.9B) and lemons and limes ($3.9B) appeared to be the products with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together comprising 94% of global exports.

Lemons and limes, with a CAGR of +6.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

The average citrus fruit export price stood at $905 per ton in 2022, which is down by -3% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average export price increased by 19%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $949 per ton. From 2021 to 2022, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was citrus fruits not elsewhere classified ($1,203 per ton), while the average price for exports of oranges ($753 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by lemon and lime (+2.4%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Country

The average citrus fruit export price stood at $905 per ton in 2022, which is down by -3% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the average export price increased by 19% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $949 per ton. From 2021 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($1,535 per ton), while Pakistan ($428 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+9.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform