Demand for Imported Citrus Softens in China

For the fiscal year 2020-2021 (MY2020/21), global fresh citrus production and consumption are projected to increase, reaching 35.6 Million Metric Tons (MMT) and 34 MMT respectively, in line with historical trends. However, the growth rate of production is anticipated to slow due to falling prices and saturation of consumer demand. The demand for imported citrus is expected to remain low, with a 25% decrease from pre-COVID levels, but it is likely to recover as the economy improves. The dietary shifts towards fresh fruit juices, highlighted by a decrease in imported frozen concentrate orange juice, indicates challenging times for the domestic industry. Additionally, the cost of importing citrus to China is likely to rise due to the country's COVID-19 countermeasures, affecting the cold chain imports.