W1 Orange Update: Australia's Thriving Orange Industry, Nepal's Production Decline, Turkish Harvest Soars, Egypt's Growth, and Surge in Egyptian Exports

Australia's Orange Industry Thrives with Expanding Cultivation, Favorable Conditions, and Growing Exports in 2023/24

Australia's orange cultivation is primarily concentrated in Riverina, Murray Valley, and Riverland, covering 16.1 thousand hectares (ha) and accounting for 90% of the country's total. Over the past eight years, the area has experienced a 17% increase, particularly in the mid-season navel and red-fleshed varieties. Australia's fresh orange production is expected to grow by 5% to 530 thousand metric tons (mt) in the 2023/24 season due to favorable weather conditions, reduced costs, and improved labor supply. The forecast for fresh orange exports is 180 thousand mt, an increase of 20 thousand mt from the 2022/23 season.

Australia exports to over 35 countries, primarily focusing on Asian markets, with Japan, mainland China, and Hong Kong being the main export destinations. South Korea is also a significant destination, accounting for approximately 60% of total exports. However, the export volume of Australian oranges to China has experienced a gradual decline due to China's sustained domestic production growth, diminishing the need for imports.

Declining Orange Production in Lamjung and Syaut Villages Due to Diseases During 2023/24 Season

In Nepal, orange production in the Lamjung and Syaut villages has declined due to diseases and inadequate care of orchards.Farmers in highly productive regions, including Chiti, Gaonsahar, Simpani, Bhorletar, Kunchha, Duradanda, Rainas, Bhoje, and Udipur, are experiencing a decline in their income. The information officer at the Agriculture Knowledge Center reported that 400 mt of oranges were produced in the 2023/24 season from 130 ha of orange plantations in the district, while in the 2022/23 season, Nepal produced 525 mt of oranges. The decline is due to various diseases, insects, and inadequate attention from farmers during the production stages.

Turkish Orange Harvest Soars in 2023/24 Season, Faces Pricing Challenges in Global Market

Orange production in Turkey, particularly in Adana, has seen a 10% year-on-year (YoY) increase in the 2023/24 season, achieving an average yield of 4 tons per decare. The early oranges grown in the Yüreğir district meet domestic consumption and are exported to Russia, Eastern Europe, and Saudi Arabia. Despite a higher yield, orange prices are reportedly lower than the previous year, partially offset by state support that helped save some costs. Notably, Turkey faces competition in orange exports from rivals such as Egypt and Greece.

Egypt Anticipates 2.7% Growth in Orange Production for 2023/24 Season

The 2023 Egyptian Citrus Annual Report predicts a 2.7% YoY increase in orange production, reaching 3.7 million tons, due to favorable growing conditions and increased yield per ha. Egypt's orange production is expected to increase by 2.7% in the 2023/24 season, reaching 3.7 million tons, and fresh orange exports will increase from 2022. The main citrus crop in Egypt is oranges, accounting for 70% of the total planting area. The four main varieties are Baladi, Valencia, Navel, and Sukkari, with Valencia and Navel oranges being the main export varieties. The Citrus Committee of the Egyptian Agricultural Export Council (AEC) decides when to begin harvesting based on ripeness parameters and fruit color. The export season typically starts mid-November and can extend to late July with cold storage facilities. Egyptian oranges are exported to 126 countries, with the Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Spain, Bangladesh, Syria, China, and the United Kingdom (UK) being the top ten exporters.

Egyptian Orange Exports Surge by 22.8% in 2022/23 Season, Driven by Increased Shipments to Key Markets Including Spain and China

Egypt's fresh orange exports to its top ten destinations increased by 22.8% in the 2022/23 season, reaching nearly 1.2 million tons, primarily due to a surge in exports to Spain, its main competitor in the European Union (EU) market. In 2023, Egypt's exports to the Chinese market were 29.2 thousand tons, while the United States (US) exports were 17.5 thousand tons. Egyptian oranges gained access to the Chinese market in 2015 and peaked in the 2018/19 season before declining. South Africa and Egypt are the two largest suppliers of imported oranges to China.

Spanish Citrus Sector Adapts to Decline in National Orange Production, Turns to Direct Imports from Egypt

Spanish citrus sector operators are acquiring oranges from Egypt, bypassing Dutch re-exporters, due to a decline in national orange production. This decision raises concerns about labeling and marketing, but industry professionals ensure compliance with labeling standards. This shift demonstrates adaptability to market fluctuations and legal compliance.