W39: Mandarin Update

In W39 in the mandarin landscape, mandarin production from the Valencian Community in Spain is expected to reach approximately 1.13 million metric tons (mmt) in the 2023/24 season. This is a drop of 94.9 thousand metric tons (mt) compared to the 2022/23 season, and a substantial decline of 331.87 thousand mt compared to the five-year average. This projected decrease is anticipated across various subgroups and nearly all provinces. Clementine varieties are estimated to experience the most significant reduction, expected to decrease by 50 thousand mt in 2023/24 compared to the 2022/23 season.

Nevertheless, certain mandarin varieties like Oronules witnessed price increases of up to 47% in W39 compared to the same period in 2022, averaging USD 0.69 per kiloram (kg) at the source. Marisol's prices rose by 8% year-on-year (YoY) to USD 0.39/kg, while Clemenrubí and Orogrós rates stagnated at USD 0.64/kg during the week. Additionally, the Okitsu variety prices increased by 13.33% YoY to USD 0.34/kg, while Owari Satsuma surged by a significant 28% YoY to USD 0.32/kg in W39.

The tangerine harvest commenced in Adana, a key citrus production region in Turkey, with an expected output of 1.35 mmt in 2023. Tangerines are cultivated across 65 thousand hectares (ha) in Turkey, with 33.2 thousand ha in the Adana region. The early mandarin varieties such as Primasol, Okitsu, and Miho Wase from the Yüreğir district have already begun distribution within Turkey. Turkish tangerine exports to countries such as Iraq, Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe are set to begin on October 3. Tangerine prices at the source ranged from USD 0.14/kg to USD 0.18/kg in W39. The Yüreğir Chamber of Agriculture is optimistic, citing anticipated strong global market demand that could accelerate the harvest pace. They also stress the importance of discovering new markets beyond Russia and Ukraine to benefit domestic farmers. The Yüreğir Chamber of Agriculture advocates for Turkish government support through the Support Price Stabilization Fund (DFIF) at a rate between USD 0.054/mt and USD 0.072/mt.

Lastly, Turkey’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports reached over USD 2 billion in the first eight months of 2023, a substantial increase of 16% YoY and the highest value on record. Among these exports, mandarins were a notable contributor, reaching USD 229 million, a remarkable 36% YoY growth. Turkish fresh fruits and vegetables were primarily destined for Russia with USD 588 million, Germany with USD 241 million, and Romania with USD 196 million.