W41: Mandarin Update

In W41 in the mandarin landscape, early mandarin varieties from Spain have smaller sizes and higher prices in 2023 due to adverse weather, including high temperatures and hailstorms. Lower mandarin production, misshapen fruits, and increased prices have impacted the market. Speculative early purchases by stores have driven price surges. Despite stable sales, higher prices affect consumption. Spain primarily exports to Europe, focusing on the United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Germany, and some Middle Eastern markets outside the European Union (EU).

Furthermore, on Oct-23, Intercitrus warned the European Commission about South Africa's increasing cases of pests or diseases affecting citrus fruits, notably Citrus Black Spot (CBS) fungal disease. Official data reveals 38 cases of CBS-affected citrus in South African crops, making it the second-highest in history. More affected crops are expected as inspections continue through Oct-23 and Nov-23. South Africa's inability to control CBS disease and failure to comply with the cold treatment against false codling moth, which was mandated in 2022, has led to formal demands to halt South African citrus imports immediately. Intercitrus also advocates for a future regulation allowing the EU to suspend imports after accumulating five CBS interceptions. South African exporters' suspension of phytosanitary certifications for oranges and mandarins from CBS disease areas was deemed a cosmetic move to avoid EU-wide citrus closure.

Abkhazia has exported more than 8 tons of tangerines to Russia since the beginning of Oct-23. The citrus season in the region spans from October to March, peaking in December. Tangerines are currently transported in small volumes, but larger land exports are expected in Nov-23. This year's tangerine harvest is projected to be 20 thousand tons less than 2022, and the tangerine's quality is higher. Large and medium-sized citrus farms are set to yield around 30 thousand tons compared to last year's 40 thousand tons exported to Russia.

On the other hand, Chile has seen substantial growth in its exports to the United States (US), particularly in mandarins, with a 113.4% YoY shipment increase from Jan-23 to Sept-23. The country has solidified its position as the leading exporter of mandarins to the North American market.