Global
13% Less Citrus Fruit in the 2022/23 Season in the Northern Hemisphere, According to WCO
The World Citrus Organization (WCO) forecasts a total harvest of 25.9MMT for the Northern Hemisphere citrus fruit campaign 2022/23, a 13% decrease from the previous campaign's total harvest of 29.8MMT. According to the WCO, a generalized drop in citrus fruit production is expected in comparison to the 2021/22 campaign. For mandarin and clementine, production is estimated to drop by 13.32% to 7.17MMT. Data from the European Union countries included in this forecast show a reduction of 15.09% in Spain and 20.97% in Italy compared to the 2021/22 campaign, but a 10.83% increase in Greece. Additionally, in the 2022/23 campaign, a decrease of 33% is estimated in Morocco, followed by a 27.24% drop in Turkey and 17.12% in Tunisia, while there is an increase of 8.24% in Egypt and a stabilization in Israel (0.40%). As for the United States of America, the USDA predicts a decrease of -5.16%. This year's harvest is one of the smallest in recent campaigns, mainly due to problems associated with the weather in the main exporting countries.
Egypt
The Russian Market Is Becoming More Difficult for Egyptian Citrus Exporters to Enter
Egypt, the largest citrus exporter in the world, has seen a significant increase in volume this season. The volume is 20% higher YoY, and there are currently 6 MMT of citrus prepared for export. Currently, the situation in Russia is making trade difficult for Egypt. Russia makes up 30% of the demand for Egyptian citrus, and it is known that Russian consumers prefer large-sized fruit, so Egypt needs to find alternative markets that value medium and small sizes, as the current season has mostly medium and small-sized fruit. The situation in Eastern Europe has seriously affected trade with Russia. Only two active shipping lines exist currently between Egypt and Russia, which creates a logistical challenge. Exporters will benefit from the depreciation of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar, but they must struggle with higher production expenses, such as those associated with planting, packaging, and transportation.
Ukraine
Citrus Fruits in Ukraine Have Risen in Price by an Average of 74% Over the Year
Tangerines, oranges, and lemons are traditionally in higher demand throughout the winter in Ukraine. The State Statistics Service reports that inflation in Ukraine is still rising. The indicator rose 2.5% MoM in October, reaching 26.6% on an annualized basis. As a result, the price of citrus fruit in Ukraine increased by 74% YoY in 2022. Traditionally, the onset of the cold season marked the start of the tangerine season.
Mandarin in Ukrainian supermarkets increased by 61% YoY in 2022, to USD 1.96/kg from USD 1.11 UAH/kg in 2021. The more affordable mandarin variety Clementine costs on average USD 1.77/kg, which increased 57% YoY. There is usually a high demand for this variety among buyers because the clementine fruits are sweet and almost seedless. Such tangerines last longer, are rarely sour and have glossy skin that is easy to clean.
Turkey
The Sweetest Satsuma Tangerines From Turkey Have Been Tested
According to Rosselkhoznadzor, Turkey shipped the first hold batch of 2,100MT of fresh satsumas and lemons to St. Petersburg, Russia, in early December. Quarantine and phytosanitary control were carried out for this batch in St. Petersburg's port. Satsuma is a variety of Mandarin, which belongs to the Citrus genus and is yellow-orange in color with thin skin and a soft core. The fruit has a sweet taste and is usually seedless. During the five-year period from 2015 to 2020, Turkey overtook the former market leader, China, in tangerine exports. During the reporting period, the average annual export of Turkish tangerines was approximately 759K MT, meanwhile, China exported 644K MT.
Russia
The quantity of tangerines in the Russian market is not expected to decrease, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. A rise in supplies from other countries offsets the decline in purchases from a few countries. In particular, imports of tangerines from South Africa increased by 35%, Morocco by 9%, South Korea by 5%, and other countries as of November 27 compared to the same period in 2021. China is once again providing supplies. Due to unfavorable weather, citrus growers in Turkey, Egypt, and Morocco decreased production by an average of 13%.
Japan
Mikan (Satsuma) Production and Distribution Down 20% In Japan Due to Drought and High Temperatures
Japan is in its peak production period for mandarin oranges (Satsuma). However, the distribution volume has decreased by about 20% compared to 2021. This is due to drought in the main growing areas and high temperatures during the summer. The price typically increases as distribution volume declines, but this trend is not apparent this season. As of December 9, 2022, the retail price was USD 4.4/kg, which is about the same level as in 2021. The price of domestic fruits has fallen across the board due to the decrease in domestic demand. Meanwhile, domestic mandarin oranges manage to maintain their prices.
Poland
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Prices in the Polish Wholesale Market in W49
In W49 in Poland, banana prices increased due to a lack of supply in Europe, whereas the price of mandarins has stabilized or even fallen slightly. There is still a lack of fresh Spanish produce in the market, with pink tomatoes at high prices, and a lack of oranges of any origin. Overall, sales volume and stock rotation can be considered slow, therefore, wholesalers anticipate improved sales in the coming week as Christmas approaches. As of December 11, prices in the Bronisze wholesale market are as follows:
USD 12.05/10kg Mandarin 1/2/3, Italian origin
USD 10.23/10kg Mandarin 4, Italian origin
USD 10.23 /10kg Mandarin 5, Italian origin
